The coach reportedly coerced the young women into having sexual relations with various men in exchange for money, presenting these payments as “sponsorships” for the team according to orangesport.ro.
On October 9, 2024, the Constanța County Police Inspectorate and DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism) conducted two raids in Constanța, as part of an investigation targeting individuals suspected of human trafficking. According to police, the coach abused his position of authority, exploiting the emotional vulnerability of the athletes to compel them into prostitution, supposedly to secure financial benefits for the team.
Authorities have identified two individuals involved in this ongoing investigation, facing charges for continuous human trafficking, witness tampering, and complicity in trafficking.
The investigation revealed that starting from late 2013 until the end of 2019, the coach recruited at least three athletes by misleading them into believing they could achieve high-level national and international sports performance. Under this pretense, the athletes were sexually exploited and forced into prostitution. The victims were housed in a property in Constanța, and some were even transported abroad, where they were forced to engage in sexual activities for the supposed benefit of the national winter sports team.
In May 2023, the coach allegedly attempted to persuade one of the victims to withdraw her testimony. Another individual implicated in the case provided free accommodation for the athletes but later demanded inflated payments for lodging and meals. This person also benefited from the sexual services of the exploited athletes, having been a key figure in their exploitation.
The ongoing investigation has exposed a lavish lifestyle enjoyed by those under investigation, who own luxury properties and vehicles, and frequent exclusive clubs both in Romania and internationally. These circumstances contributed to the emotional dependency of the young athletes, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Furthermore, the coach convinced the athletes that by engaging in sexual relations with businessmen, they would gain financial rewards, services for the team, and societal influence. This manipulation was the primary method used to subjugate the athletes, under the guise of securing their well-being.
Judicial sources have confirmed that one of the individuals under investigation is a coach for the Romanian national bobsleigh and luge team. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities continue to gather evidence and identify further victims of this exploitation scheme.
