On October 5, Romania’s National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) carried out a large-scale operation as part of an investigation into possible corruption among border police and customs officials on the Romanian-Ukrainian border.
According to “Golos Karpat”, law enforcement officials conducted 96 searches across six Romanian counties—Satu Mare, Bihor, Sălaj, Maramureș, Cluj, and Mureș.
The investigation focuses on border police and customs service officers who worked, in particular, at the Halmeu border crossing, which provides road access between Romania and Ukraine. On the Ukrainian side, it corresponds to the “Dyakovo” border crossing in Zakarpattia Oblast.
According to the DNA, the investigation concerns possible corruption offenses committed in 2025–2026. Investigators are looking into reports that certain border guards and customs officials may have received money in connection with the performance of their official duties.
Searches were conducted both in private homes and on the premises of two government agencies. The operation involved personnel from the Anti-Corruption Directorate, the police, and the gendarmerie. Investigative activities took place, in particular, directly on the territory of the Halmeu border crossing and at a border police unit.
Romanian media, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that the alleged corruption scheme may have involved receiving money in exchange for failing to properly inspect vehicles and cargo crossing the border. This could have involved both freight transport and the movement of people.
However, at the time the DNA’s official statement was released, these details had not been fully confirmed. The Anti-Corruption Directorate also did not specify the exact number of suspects or the possible amounts of illicit gains.
The investigation is of particular significance for the Zakarpattia Oblast, as investigative actions were also conducted in Maramureș County, which directly borders Ukraine.
The leadership of the Sighetu Marmației Territorial Border Police Inspectorate stated its readiness to cooperate with the investigation and emphasized that, should the violations be confirmed, measures provided for by law will be applied to the employees.
The Halmeu checkpoint is one of the road crossings on the Romanian-Ukrainian border and is used for passenger and freight traffic between the two countries.
