Romanian Prosecutors Face Decision on Pre-Trial Detention Amidst Corruption Probe

Prosecutors Gigi Valentin Ștefan and Teodor Niță, affiliated with the Prosecutor's Office of the Constanța Court of Appeal, are awaiting a court decision on their pre-trial detention. Both are facing serious charges, including influence peddling and inciting abuse of office.

Last Friday, June 5, the High Court of Cassation and Justice approved the prosecution's request to extend their pre-trial detention by 30 days. This measure is set to commence on June 14, 2026, and continue until July 13, 2026. The court acknowledged the prosecutors' request for this extension.

Ștefan is accused of influence peddling, including in a continuous form, while Niță faces charges of inciting abuse of office. The investigation suggests Niță allegedly intervened with a Constanța ISU officer to assist a businessman acquaintance, a move investigators interpret as inciting abuse of office. Niță reportedly sought to influence the handling of an administrative matter for the businessman's benefit.

In Ștefan's case, the investigation is more extensive. He is alleged to have received approximately 170,000 euros, along with various goods and services, over a five-month period. In return, he allegedly promised to use his influence with magistrates, public officials, police, and administrative authorities to secure favorable outcomes in criminal or administrative cases. The charges against him are influence peddling and continuous influence peddling. Both prosecutors have been suspended from their duties by the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM).