Romania has been swept up in one of the largest judicial scandals in recent years. A large-scale investigation has uncovered systematic bribery among judges, affecting numerous high-profile cases across the country.
According to the findings, a group of judges regularly received substantial bribes to influence trial outcomes. The sums ranged from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of euros, depending on the significance of the case. The corruption scheme operated across several key courts, including those in the capital.
The investigation, conducted by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) with the support of European partners, has already led to searches of judges’ homes and offices. Several senior members of the judiciary have been suspended from their positions and face criminal proceedings.
“These are not isolated incidents, but an entire system that was undermining the foundations of the rule of law,” said a source close to the investigation.
Public reaction has been fierce. Protests have erupted across Romania, with citizens demanding severe punishment for those responsible and immediate sweeping reform of the judicial system. Human rights organizations, including the Romanian branch of Transparency International and local NGOs, have called on authorities to ensure full transparency in the investigation and to introduce additional oversight mechanisms for judges.
“Citizens’ trust in justice has been all but destroyed. Without radical reforms — public asset declarations, digital transparency of proceedings, and independent external audits — restoring it will be impossible,” reads a joint statement from rights advocates.
Romanian authorities have already pledged to see the investigation through and prevent the case from being “swept under the rug” under pressure. The Prime Minister and Minister of Justice held an emergency meeting on the situation within the judicial branch.
The scandal has taken on particular urgency against the backdrop of Romania’s pursuit of closer integration into European structures, where the independence and integrity of courts are considered key criteria. The European Commission has already expressed serious concern and signaled its readiness to provide technical assistance with reforms.
The investigation is ongoing. New names of those implicated are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.