Major raids target fraud case involving $50 million cheque and suspected €605,000 loss

Romanian prosecutors carried out 13 residential searches in a fraud case built around a cheque that suspects allegedly claimed was worth $50 million.

The searches took place on Sept. 3, 2026, in Bucharest, Slobozia, Brăila, Constanța, Amara, Cernica and Fundeni. DIICOT’s central structure is investigating five people, four men and one woman, for allegedly forming an organized criminal group, aggravated fraud and repeated handling of criminal proceeds.

Investigators say the suspects operated together from September 2023 through September 2026. They allegedly told a victim that they held a cheque issued by the United States and needed money to pay fees before it could be cashed.

In return, the victim was allegedly offered a stake in a company and told she would receive $1.5 million once the cheque was cleared. Another $1 million would supposedly go to her company as payment for shares transferred by members of the group, according to DIICOT.

The suspects allegedly used forged documents and maintained regular contact with the victim to support the proposal. They repeatedly requested money, receiving about €605,000, including roughly 2.8 million Romanian lei through bank transfers and €120,000 in cash. Investigators say the woman in the group then made several transfers to nine people who knew the money came from crimes. Everyone targeted in the investigation is due to be questioned at DIICOT headquarters.