Firms To Watch: White-collar crime

Liviu Togan  leads Dentons‘ offering in white-collar crime, which handles investigations and criminal cases for individuals and corporates.

White-collar crime in Romania

Albu Morar

Specialists in white-collar crime, boutique firm Albu Morar is lauded for its ‘deep legal expertise, innovative problem-solving, and a client-centric approach’. The team is a go-to destination for multinational companies that have cases in Romania, and practitioners are adept and experienced at every level of court in the country. Jointly leading the department are Gabriel Albu, ‘a trusted advisor in every sense’ and one of the pioneers of this practice area in Romania; and Daniel Morar, whose varied slate includes major cases in tax evasion, cybercrimes and corruption. Further key figures to note include Mihai Lemnaru, who focuses on pre-trial investigations; and Mihai Morar, whose client base covers the energy, IT and financial services sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Gabriel Albu; Daniel Morar


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mihai Morar; Mihai Lemnaru


Referenzen

‘Excellent level of knowledge, super-specialised in white collar crime law, very responsive and transparent billing structure. Albu Morar is our first option for referrals, as we do not have a white collar practice.’

‘I mainly work with Gabriel Albu. Gabriel’s knowledge in specific legislation and procedures is outstanding, he is always very responsive and all clients referred to him came with excellent feedback.’

‘What makes this practice unique is the combination of deep legal expertise, innovative problem-solving and a client-centric approach. The team consistently goes above and beyond in their legal representation, offering not just advice but actionable strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of their clients. Potential clients would be impressed by the firm’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality service, their ability to handle complex and high-stakes cases, and their strong focus on results.’

Kernmandanten

Kaz Munay Gas International / RompetroliGroup


RCS & RDS/ Digi


Intrarom S.A.


Unigrains Trading


OMV Petrom


Lacto Food


Mozzart Bet


Porr Construct


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting KazMunayGas/ Rompetrol with criminal law-related matters, such as work safety cases, various inquiries from authorities and criminal law risk related analyses.
  • Assisting RCS & RDS/ Digi and its CEO in a pending criminal trial on charges of bribery and money laundering related to the acquisition of football TV rights.
  • Defending Intrarom in a pending tax fraud case.

Budusan & Asociatii SPARL

Budusan & Asociatii SPARL is a familiar name among the counsel in major business crime cases in Romania, acting for a host of companies and high-profile individuals. Ovidiu Budusan leads the practice, drawing on his experience as a high-ranking prosecutor to assist with the range of major business crime matters, tax evasion and corruption. ‘Excellent professionals’ Florentina Frumusanu and George Toniuc are also key names in the team: Frumusanu’s broad practice is influenced by her experience as an in-house lawyer at a major oil company; and Toniuc is well versed in representation of both companies and individual clients in complex criminal matters, handled by specialised prosecutorial units. Liana Iacob departed to Rubin Meyer Doru & Trandafir in August 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Ovidiu Budusan


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Florentina Frumusanu; George Toniuc


Referenzen

‘Serious professionals, honest & result-oriented.’

‘Worked with Florentina Frumusanu and George Toniuc, who I recommend full-hearted and dearly, both of them are knowledgeable, patient and efficient.’

‘Budusan & Associates is a very sophisticated, boutique criminal law practice that provide excellent service across the full spectrum of business crime matters and they are a ‘go-to’ firm. A team of exceptionally prepared lawyers, who maintain constant contact and communication with the client about the development of the ongoing legal process. And, most importantly, a very personalised and close treatment, always with a strategic vision in the defence of matters.’

Kernmandanten

GRUP FEROVIAR ROMAN S.A.


DEDEMAN SRL


UNICREDIT BANK S.A.


VISTA BANK ROMANIA S.A.


CREDIT EUROPE BANK S.A.


UBISOFT ENTERTAINMENT S.A. FRANCE


AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST LLC


DISTRIBUTIE ENERGIE ELECTRICA ROMANIA SA


REWE ROMANIA


ARTMARK GROUP


AUTOCAR GROUP


TAWIL GROUP


SOMACO GROUP


CRONO TARD SRL


FLORIAN BODOG


DUMITRU DOBRICA


QUATTRO ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SRL


PREMIA INSURANCE CONSULTING SRL


BLUE RIVER 78 BUCURESTI SRL


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented former executives of Murfatlar Romania SA and its affiliates in pre-trail investigation and in the preliminary chamber procedure re: charges of tax evasion by fraudulent VAT compensation and refunds regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages.
  • Representing UNICREDIT BANK S.A. in the pretrial investigation, in capacity as victim, in a case concerning charges of embezzlement of client’s estate, making fraudulent financial operations, illegal access to an informatic system, informatic fraud by a bank clerk.
  • Represented Florian Bodog, in front of the High Court of Cassation and Justice re. corruption offences allegedly committed during client’s term as minister of health (2017-2018).

ENACHE PIRTEA & Associates

The business crime offering at ENACHE PIRTEA & Associates stands out in the market for its breadth across in-court defence, risk management and compliance advice on an ongoing basis. Major companies (as well as their senior management on individual bases) instruct the team on the gamut of issues. Simona Pirtea has her strengths in handling public and private corruption, economic and organised criminal activity and money laundering. She co-leads the group alongside Madalin Enache, who draws on two decades of litigation experience. Adrian Rusu is a further name to note, specialising in tax evasion, money laundering, embezzlement and corruption cases.

Praxisleiter:

Simona Enache-Pirtea; Madalin Enache


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Adrian Rusu


Referenzen

‘What makes Enache, Pirtea & Associates distinctive from other law firms is their capability of understanding business particularities and tailoring their legal advise to these particularities. The lawyers are ready to provide their support on any issue and to answer immediately to a company’s questions. They are always interested in starting new projects and are fully professional in handling them.’

‘The lawyers demonstrate good expertise and a vast experience on the white-collier crime practice.’

‘Enache Pirtea & Associates are a very professional law firm populated with smart attorneys that act on the spot.’

Kernmandanten

PPC Romania


Retele Electrice Muntenia & Banat


Kredyt Inkaso Investments Romania


CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)


Fotbal Club CFR 1907 Cluj-Napoca


Alpha Bank Romania


Scania Romania


Centurion Jets


Clinica Hope


Luther Imobiliare


Romega Food Distribution & Cosmos Quantum Food & Drinks


Amazonia Aquapark


DSC Express Logistic


Bagacean Marian


Dan Berciu


EMI Equipment Maintenance Industrie SA


Ion Tudor


Jad Harb


Mioara Tigan


Vlad-Alexandru Andronescu


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting the PPC Romania companies with multiple criminal investigations and litigations, either referring to economic or financial crimes, or to criminal breaches of relevant/specific legislation.
  • Representing the three main companies from the Kredyt Inkaso group in a cross-border investigation, at present a criminal trial, of an organised criminal group created by the former CEO, together with other former employees or business partners, at the national and international levels.
  • Representing CAF (Spain) in a criminal investigation of a metro train incident, involving civil and criminal responsibility for damages exceeding EUR 7m.

Mares & Mares

The ‘highly skilled’ white-collar crime department at Mares & Mares makes for a strong choice of counsel in matters of anti-bribery and corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, insider trading, fraud and investigations. Among its stellar client list are multinational and local companies, senior management of such, and individuals ranging from politicians to entrepreneurs, both in Romania and abroad. Practice head Mihai Mares is ‘one of the most notable criminal law practitioners in Romania’ and he leads all major cases for the firm. He is supported by highly regarded litigator Cristian Mareș, criminal law specialists Cipriana FulgeanuTraian Badescu and Otilia Ghenici.

Praxisleiter:

Mihai Mares


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Cristian Mares; Cipriana Fulgeanu; Traian Badescu; Otilia Ghenici


Referenzen

‘Top-class criminal firm dealing with exceptional level of white collar cases.’

‘Mihai Mares has an excellent international reputation in deletion with cross boarder cases and extradition.’

‘Great at managing cases.’

Kernmandanten

Alibaba International Digital Commerce


E-Infra SA


Longshield Investment Group


Lion Capital


Electromagnetica


Bristol-Myers Squibb


Vrancart SA


Libra Bank


Allianz Trade


Mercedes-Benz Group AG


Infinity Capital SA


Infineon Technologies AG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for Alibaba International Digital Commerce as defence counsellor in a criminal investigation regarding a consumer complaint.
  • Assisted Mercedes-Benz Group with the implementation of the EU Whistleblower Directive in the Romanian transposing law.
  • Advising Electromagnetica on a large fraud criminal case and disputes with former managers.

Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners

As one of Romania’s best known firms across dispute resolution, Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners is often seen in some of the standout white-collar crime cases in the country. The group has a strong track record on cross-border matters involving European arrest warrants, and has been particularly active recently in banking and capital markets-related cases. Major banks and corporates look to the practice for advice and can draw on the multi-disciplinary expertise available across the full-service firm. The team is led by Calin-Andrei Zamfirescu, one of the country’s foremost litigators; and more junior criminal law specialist Doru Cosmin Ursu. George Avram is the other key contact to note.

Praxisleiter:

Călin Andrei Zamfirescu; Doru Cosmin Ursu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

George Avram


Kernmandanten

Alpha Bank


Banca Transilvania


Central Securities Depository (Romania)


Compania Romprest Service


Confer Group


ING Bank Romania


Kronospan Trading


Pirelli Tyres Romania


Pirelli Tyres SpA Italia


Raiffeisen Bank


Unicredit Bank


Unicredit SpA Italia


Vista-Bank


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing 45 survivors and persons close to the victims of the Colectiv Clubfire in the enforcement of the provisions of the criminal decision and the payment by the state authorities of EUR 8.5m.
  • Representing Compania Romprest Service SA, in a case opened by the National Anti-Corruption Directorate.

Bradu Neagu & Associates

Bradu Neagu & Associates handles a wide variety of high-profile white-collar crime cases, with capabilities in matters both before and after an enforcement case begins. This spans compliance counselling, internal investigations and criminal defence at every level of court. Practice head Roman Bradu, a ‘good leader and a very dedicated professional’, is a highly regarded business lawyer and white-collar litigation expert. His team includes Alexandru Vasilache, counsel of choice in this area for a host of major corporations; and Victor Hirșman, who assists with the range of criminal court proceedings.

Praxisleiter:

Roman Bradu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alexandru Vasilache; Victor Hirșman


Referenzen

‘What stands out most about this firm is that they have both a reactive and proactive approach. Where they are very fast and efficient responders to every issue I sent to them, they have a proactive approach to matters that can better shield our company from being exposed to any risks. We are very happy with their collaboration and the team overall.’

‘Roman Bradu manages every project personally and he decides the delegation of resources to the relevant members of the team. He is very punctual, respectful and with very well -prepared advice and documents.’

‘I can’t speak highly enough of their professionalism and expertise. Their team has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in disputes and criminal investigations, and they are incredibly adept at guiding us through these challenges with precision and care.’

Kernmandanten

Lukoil Romania SRL


Litasco Ltd


Euroins Insurance Group AD / Starcom Holding


HS Timber Productions SRL


B-Braun


KazMunaiGaz


Petrotel-Lukoil SA


Highlight-Mandate


CMS

An ‘excellent coordinator of projects and teams of attorneys’, Mihai Jiganie-Serban heads the white-collar crime offering at CMS in Bucharest. The practice receives client commendation for its ‘comprehensive expertise in handling high-stakes investigations and litigation’, and collaborates closely with the CMS network in the region to support a host of multinationals, as well as individual clients. Jiganie-Serban is one of the country’s standout white-collar crime practitioners, while Ionut Chisar is one of the up-and-coming figures in criminal law and criminal compliance. Cosmin Cretu is another standout lawyer in the practice. Horia Draghici, who coordinates the wider dispute resolution department, also has influence in white-collar crime cases.

Praxisleiter:

Mihai Jiganie-Serban


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ionut Chisar; Cosmin Cretu


Referenzen

‘Multidisciplinary and complex approach of every issue. Possibility to work with experienced lawyers from all the legal fields.’

‘Objective oriented. Client friendly and cost effective approach. Great background. Mihai Jiganie-Serban – longstanding experience and effective approach of every issue.’

Ionut Chisar is definitely a rising star of criminal law that has a great future in this field.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a construction & infrastructure projects corporate in connection to a cross-border investigation into allegations of corruption in the context of the implementation of a railway rehabilitation project in Romania.
  • Representing in court a global IT company against alleged accessory to abuse of office in relation to the public acquisition of an IT solution.

Popescu & Asociatii

As part of its comprehensive dispute resolution offering, Popescu & Asociatii supports its high-profile client base on risk assessment and compliance relating to white-collar crime, as well as acting in a number of notable cases and investigations. Leadership of the multi-disciplinary team is shared between Adrian Chirvase, who has significant experience in criminal business law and tax fraud; noted litigator and experienced corporate lawyer Octavian Popescu; and Gheorghe Buta, one of the most experienced trial lawyers in Romania. Support comes from Mirel Radescu and Bogdan Dobre.

Praxisleiter:

Adrian Chirvase; Octavian Popescu; Gheorghe Buta


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mirel Radescu; Bogdan Dobre


Referenzen

‘The white-collar crime practice at Popescu & Asociatii stands out for its comprehensive expertise, proactive risk management and client-centric approach. These elements combine to create a robust legal framework that not only addresses immediate challenges but also positions clients for long-term compliance.’

‘Octavian Popescu’s deep understanding of financial regulations and compliance is a cornerstone for white-collar crime practice. His strategic approach allows him to foresee potential risks, proactively building defence strategies to protect clients.’

‘Gheorghe Buta’s meticulousness and expertise ensure no detail is overlooked, contributing to strong defences and thorough inquiries.’

Kernmandanten

HiSky


Oculus


General Directorate of Gendarmes of the Municipality of Bucharest ‘Division General Constantin Anton’


Banca Transilvania


First Bank


PPC Group (former Enel Group)


Kaufland Romania


European Drinks & Foods


ING Bank Romania


BT Direct


Remat Gorj SA


Mega Image


Campeador


Eco Green Construct


Cosmin Sandru


Raed Arafat


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Banca Transilvania, its top management, as well as its subsidiaries and its representatives, on continuous regulatory disputes including but not limited to the manner of implementing the legal requirements according to directive (EU) 2015/849.
  • Advising ING Bank Romania on several new specific judicial procedures that entailed several possibilities to attract the material or criminal liability of the bank or its governing bodies and other representatives, in connection with the day-by-day activity.
  • Advising Remat Gorj SA on investigations carried out by the criminal investigation bodies together with the tax authorities regarding the alleged obligations to pay income tax and contribution to the environmental fund.

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii

Valued for its ‘clear and pragmatic advice’, the white-collar compliance and defence team at Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is well versed in the range of matters, including tax evasion, money laundering and EU funds embezzlement. Its multi-disciplinary approach is facilitated by close collaboration with practitioners strong in capital markets, tax, public procurement and EU law. Heading the group is Alexandru Ambrozie, who has ‘extensive experience in both the public and private sectors’. He is supported by Ana Stoenescu.

Praxisleiter:

Alexandru Ambrozie


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ana Stoenescu


Referenzen

‘Very experienced team providing clear and pragmatic advice. Highly recommended.’

‘Alexandru Ambrozie is excellent. Responsive and client-focused.’

‘Excellent knowledge of topics.’

Kernmandanten

Fondul Proprietatea


J. Christof E&P Services


DB Schenker


Orange


Medtronic


Medist


Ductil/Lincoln Electric Group


Ameropa


Banque Banorient France


Deutsche Leasing


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a listed investment fund in a criminal investigation, which involved allegations of market manipulation, organised crime, and false financial reporting.
  • Advising an Austrian oil and gas construction group in connection with a criminal file pending with the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice regarding the offence of tax evasion assumingly committed by applying tax facilities for which the company did not qualify.
  • Assisting an Austrian IT group in connection with a criminal investigation conducted by the European Prosecutor’s Office for various alleged offences against the financial interests of the European Union.

Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA

Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA‘s white-collar crime team assists companies with cases of criminal acts committed by their employees or third parties; defence against accusations of criminal activity; and compliance and white-collar crime investigations. Dispute resolution lawyers Sebastian Gutiu and Iustin Armașu oversee the department, but ‘criminal law specialist’ and ‘skilful and versatile lawyer’ Magdalena Roibu is the key contact in this area. Alexandra Burcea is a further name to note.

Praxisleiter:

Sebastian Guțiu; Iustin Armașu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Magdalena Roibu; Alexandra Bursea


Referenzen

‘The expertise of the team is high. They are highly knowledgeable and experienced in the complex laws and regulations. The company has a strong reputation for successfully defending clients.’

‘I had the chance to work with Magdalena Roibu. She had a very good understanding of the sensitiveness and complexity of the cases. I especially appreciated her strategic and nuanced approached.’

‘Schoenherr și Asociații SCA has established a specialised white-collar crime team, a core taskforce which comprises experts in criminal law who offer guidance on white-collar crime, internal corporate investigations, as well as various compliance issues. It is relatively rare for business international law firms in Romania to have dedicated criminal law teams, and Schoenherr is among the select few to offer such expertise.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted several multinational companies in internal investigations conducted on their local subsidiary.
  • Assisted an international financial institution on Romanian criminal law in connection with credit bank frauds committed by an organised crime group.
  • Assisted a multinational company in a white-collar law case regarding cybercrimes committed against the company.

Kinstellar

Remus Codreanu coordinates the white-collar crime work at Kinstellar, which handles a variety of cases and related advisory matters for clients with a notable presence across the CEE region. Codreanu is adept in matters involving bribery, corruption, money laundering, insider trading and cybercrime. His core support team is made up of Vlad Simion, Andrei Covaliu and Raluca Constantin.

Praxisleiter:

Remus Codreanu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Vlad Simion; Andrei Covaliu; Raluca Constantin


Referenzen

‘Remus Codreanu has been a top lawyer handling a very difficult matter for us and he was really one of a kind in terms of bottom lines and achievements dedication and very informative to the client. We were highly impressed with that.’

Kernmandanten

IGT Europe Gaming B.V.


Nitrogénművek


Maersk Logistic & Services Romania SRL


Dow Europe GmbH


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising and representing Nitrogénművek in a cross-border civil case against a Romanian agricultural company.
  • Advising Maersk Logistic & Services Romania S.R.L. on several cases involving administrative and contractual law aspects.

Musat & Asociatii

Stalwart of the Romanian law market Musat & Asociatii is trusted counsel to a range of major companies and individuals for white-collar crime matters, excelling in investigations work. Stefan Diaconescu is the standout contact, praised by clients for his ‘perfect blend of legal expertise and knowledge’, he was raised to the partnership in 2024. He has a strong track record before criminal investigation authorities and all levels of national court.

Praxisleiter:

Gheorghe Musat; Alexandru Terta; Stefan Diaconescu


Referenzen

‘I have collaborated with this practice for 8 years and they continue to keep the same high level of professionalism in terms of understanding the most important facts of a case, concluding at the highest level of knowledge and expertise, being always present in court and, the last but not least, being extremely empathic with their clients.’

‘We don’t think there is a better criminal law team out there than Musat & Asociatii and Stefan Diaconescu is the true star of their white-collar team. Stefan handled our internal investigation, negotiations with the other defendants in the file and also obtained the best result in the criminal file, recuperating the entire prejudice caused to our firm by our former employees.’

‘Stefan Diaconescu has the perfect blend of legal expertise and knowledge and has achieved remarkable results for us over the past years. He has offered sound legal advice and has been keen to offer the best legal solution, within appropriate billing times. We have said this year in year out that everyone should remember the name Stefan Diaconescu.’

Kernmandanten

KMG International NV


Leoni AG


Costel Alexe


Irinel Popescu


Cornel Sintimbrean


Banca Transilvania


EightCap EU Ltd.


Medwein SRL


Gate Gourmet Switzerland GmbH


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing KMG International NV and its affiliated companies in EUR 1.6bn civil liabilities and commercial claims following an investigation by the Romanian authorities regarding the conditions for the privatisations procedures of one of the companies owned by KMG Group International NV.
  • Representing Leoni Group in various court cases related to the investigation of a transnational informatics fraud, which led to a series of fraudulent transfers in the amount of EUR 40m.
  • Assisting Costel Alexe, the president of the Iași County Council and former Minister of Environment, in a criminal investigation regarding allegations of corruption crimes, embezzlement and forgery of documents, in front of the High Court of Cassation and Justice.

Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii

Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii makes for a robust choice in white-collar crime investigations and advisory matters, while also handling litigation in the area. Its client base includes a number of multinationals that have operations in Romania, as well as domestic companies. Leadership of the team is shared between Robert Rosu, a litigator of considerable experience; and Manuela Gornoviceanu, a trial lawyer with experience at every level of court.

Referenzen

‘Tuca Zbârcea & Asociații’s white-collar crime practice stands out for its depth of expertise and proactive approach to complex and high-stakes cases. What makes this practice unique is its ability to blend legal knowledge with a strategic understanding of the broader economic and regulatory landscape, which is crucial for handling sensitive matters with significant reputational risks. The team has extensive experience across various sectors, which gives them a strong foundation for tackling multi-jurisdictional investigations, fraud, corruption, tax evasion, and financial crimes.’

‘The individuals I’ve worked with at Tuca Zbârcea & Asociații stand out for their remarkable blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and personal commitment to their clients.

‘Dan Cristea is a very, very good lawyer in litigation.’

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