Romanian Police Crack Down on Two Major Criminal Groups in Bucharest

Romanian police have launched a significant operation targeting two notorious criminal groups, Ștoacă and Toboșarii, in Bucharest and the Ilfov region. The crackdown on violent crime is investigating allegations of street brawls, extortion, and severe acts of violence, including the use of firearms and Molotov cocktails.

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It has been established that, during 2026, several men, members of a group, repeatedly committed acts of physical and psychological violence against the injured persons, with the aim of forcing them not to move within the territory of two neighborhoods in the Capital, considering that these are under the influence and control of the respective group.

On June 17, 2026, authorities executed 21 house search warrants and issued 22 summons for individuals linked to the groups. The investigation encompasses charges of blackmail, assault, disturbing public order, and illegal possession and use of weapons. Police reported that members of one group allegedly subjected victims to repeated physical and psychological abuse to prevent them from entering specific neighborhoods claimed by the group.

In the context of ongoing feuds between the two factions, physical assaults and degrading treatment were reported, alongside the use of bladed and non-lethal weapons, which severely disrupted public peace. One suspect is also accused of coercing two individuals through threats of violence to obtain financial benefits. The operation aims to gather evidence related to these criminal activities.

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Furthermore, in the context of a pre-existing conflict between the members of the two families, physical aggressions and degrading treatments were undertaken, and bladed and non-lethal weapons were used, through their actions seriously disturbing public order and tranquility.

Sources indicate that the clashes between the Ștoacă and Toboșarii groups have led to street fires and damage to vehicles from attacks involving blunt objects and Molotov cocktails. The disputes reportedly center on control over territories in Bucharest, particularly the Ferentari neighborhood associated with Ștoacă and the Giurgiului neighborhood linked to Toboșarii. The conflict has also extended to gambling halls, where both groups have sought to assert influence and block rivals.

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At the same time, during the investigation, it was also established that one of the suspects allegedly coerced, through threats of violence, two other persons, in order to obtain financial benefits.