DNA Raids ONJN Offices as Corruption Probe Targets Four Officials
2026-07-30
Source: Global Gaming Insider
Romanian anti-corruption prosecutors raided the ONJN headquarters, targeting four officials from its control and authorisation departments, while a separate probe continues against the former ONJN president over an alleged €100,000 bribe.
Anti-corruption prosecutors in Romania have searched the premises of the National Office for Gambling (ONJN), the latest twist in a string of graft investigations surrounding the country's gaming regulator.
State news agency AGERPRES broke the story on 29 July, citing unnamed judicial sources. The prosecutors did not disclose the specific offences under scrutiny or name any suspects at the time of the raid.
ONJN later confirmed that the probe involves four employees from its control and authorisation departments. The regulator stated it is fully cooperating with the authorities and handing over all requested documents.
"The integrity of the institution is a priority," ONJN President Vlad Soare said in a statement.
The timing is notable for Romania's regulated gambling market. Over the past year, lawmakers have been tightening oversight through legislative amendments affecting both land-based and online operations, while licensees continue to adjust to shifting compliance demands.
The control department monitors licensed operators' adherence to rules, while the authorisation unit grants licences and other regulatory approvals. Any investigation touching these functions is bound to draw keen interest from operators and suppliers active in the jurisdiction.
This search follows a separate DNA case opened earlier in 2024 against former ONJN President Odeta Nestor. Prosecutors claim she brokered a €100,000 ($113,500) bribe aimed at stopping scrutiny of a major casino jackpot investigation. Nestor remains under house arrest as proceedings continue; the allegations have not been proven.
Beyond these investigations, Romania's gambling landscape is undergoing structural change. Municipal authorities now have more say over where land-based venues can be located, and policymakers are weighing further measures to strengthen supervision of remote gambling and boost regulatory transparency.
Earlier this month, ONJN launched a public consultation on new online gambling standards covering game rules, promotional terms, test accounts, and virtual credits, part of its ongoing push to tighten oversight of the regulated digital market.