Police arrest Românași man over alleged unlicensed lending
Sălaj police detained a 54-year-old man from Românași on June 11 for suspected usury. Police executed a search warrant, seizing evidence and 4,200 lei. The suspect allegedly lent money with interest from January to May without authorization, causing an estimated 54,000 lei in damages. He is currently in detention, awaiting a court decision on further measures.
Imgine generată cu AI
A 54-year-old man from Românași was detained June 11 on suspicion of operating an illegal lending operation, Sălaj County Police announced.
Officers from the Criminal Investigations Police, backed by the Special Actions Service and Sălaj Police criminologists, searched the suspect's home and seized 4,200 lei in cash along with other evidence. Police say the man lent money at interest to several residents of Românași between January and May without the required authorization. The alleged scheme caused financial losses estimated at 54,000 lei, according to investigators. The suspect is now held at the Sălaj Detention and Pre-trial Arrest Center. He faces a court appearance at Zalău Court on June 12, where a judge will rule on whether to extend his detention.
Usury cases in rural Romania often target low-income borrowers who lack access to formal banking.
In March, prosecutors in Maramureș charged three individuals with similar offenses after victims reported monthly interest rates exceeding 50 percent. Sălaj Police did not release the suspect's name or specify the interest rates he allegedly charged. The investigation remains open. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges if more victims come forward.
Romanian law prohibits lending money for profit without a license from the National Bank. Violators face prison terms of up to seven years under Article 214 of the Penal Code, which defines usury as exploiting a person's financial distress. The Criminal Investigations Police urged anyone who may have borrowed from the suspect to contact the Zalău station. Witnesses can also submit tips anonymously through the police's online portal.
Court records show Sălaj County has logged 11 usury investigations since January, a 30 percent increase over the same period last year. Prosecutors attribute the rise to improved victim reporting and closer coordination between local police and financial regulators. The June 12 hearing will determine whether the suspect remains in custody pending trial or is released under judicial supervision. Prosecutors have requested a 30-day detention order, citing flight risk and the possibility of witness intimidation.
Comentarii
Fii primul care comentează.
