Romanian prosecutors said on Thursday they had ordered the detention of six people on charges of treason, accusing them of colluding with Russia to "undermine" the country.
The case has already led to the expulsion of two Russian diplomats -- Russia's military attache and his deputy -- who were declared "personae non gratae" on Wednesday.
The Romanian Intelligence Services said the diplomats had "carried out intelligence gathering activities in areas of strategic interest and supported the anti-constitutional actions" of a group of Romanian citizens.
The six people who have been detained are accused of having "repeatedly entered into contact with agents of a foreign power" both in Romania and in Russia, the office for organised crime (DIICOT) said.
It alleged that in 2023, the six created a "military-type structure" with the aim of "undermining the political and defence capacity of the country", which is a member of NATO.
The defendants negotiated with "agents of a foreign power" on ways of getting Romania to withdraw from NATO, seizing power and changing the country's name, flag and anthem.
Two of the accused were documented as travelling to Moscow in January.
A retired general is also a suspect in the case, DIICOT added, without giving further details.
- Election scrapped -
Romania annulled last year's presidential election after claims of Russian interference.
A previously little-known far-right politician, Calin Georgescu, won most ballots in the first round of voting in November before the results and imminent second round were scrapped.
Georgescu, who denies any links to Moscow, was indicted last week on charges relating to campaign financing and for allegedly trying to instigate others to carry out "actions against the constitutional order".
Police have also issued an arrest warrant for Romanian security contractor Horatiu Potra, who is suspected, with around 20 other people, of attempting to carry out actions designed to subvert "constitutional order".
Potra -- who has security links to the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a former member of the French Foreign Legion -- is accused of possessing weapons illegally.
Local media has said he provided security for Georgescu.
(AFP)
