EditRomania’s chief of Defence Staff strongly denies corruption allegations
General Gheorghiță Vlad noted the unusual timing of the charges - coming nearly a year after the case was opened - at a particularly sensitive moment for national security
Romania’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad, has categorically rejected accusations of corruption, describing the case against him as “at least curious” in its timing and substance.
In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday evening, General Vlad declared:
“I categorically reject the accusations brought against me and state unequivocally that I have not committed any act of corruption and have had no direct or indirect involvement in any such activities.”
He added that he has full confidence the truth will emerge from an objective analysis of facts and evidence, while noting the unusual timing of the charges – coming nearly a year after the case was opened – at a particularly sensitive moment for national security.
The general’s firm denial followed his appearance earlier on Tuesday at the military section of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), where he was formally informed he is under investigation as a suspect for complicity in the unlawful exercise of a public office aimed at obtaining undue benefits.
The accusations
Prosecutors allege that in July 2025, General Vlad facilitated an unauthorised request signed by Lieutenant General Iulian Berdilă, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Operations and Training. The request asked the Ministry of Education and Research to convert 20 fee-paying student places into state-funded scholarships at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport within the National University of Physical Education and Sport in Bucharest.
Investigators claim the signatories lacked the legal authority to make such a request, as the matter falls exclusively under the Ministry of National Defence’s General Directorate for Human Resources Management. They argue the decision harmed institutional procedures and provided undue benefits to the 20 students, three of whom are expected to become officers in the Romanian Army upon graduation.
The accusations have been widely viewed as relatively minor in scale – involving the reallocation of a small number of university scholarships – especially given General Vlad’s senior position and the current complex security environment.
General Vlad’s response
In his Facebook post, the general emphasised that his entire professional activity has been guided by legality, integrity, and service to the public interest. He stressed that any damage to the image of the Defence Staff risks affecting public confidence in a key state institution at a critical time.
“Under my leadership, the Romanian Army has strengthened its role, operational capacity, and credibility, becoming a benchmark of stability and professionalism,” he wrote.
“I will provide full support to the judicial authorities and will defend the truth, my reputation, and above all, the image and credibility of the institution I lead.”
The Ministry of National Defence confirmed that anti-corruption prosecutors were conducting verification activities and stated that the institution is fully cooperating with the authorities while refraining from further comments to avoid influencing the proceedings.
The DNA underlined that the investigation is at a procedural stage aimed at gathering evidence and does not affect the presumption of innocence.
General Gheorghiță Vlad was appointed Chief of Defence Staff on 30 November 2023. A career tank officer, he previously served as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and held key command positions, including commander of the 2nd “Getica” Infantry Division and the 1st “Argedava” Mechanised Brigade. He began his military career as a tank platoon commander in 1991. The case continues, and General Vlad has pledged to make himself fully available to prosecutors to clarify the matter.
Sources: Espress.ro
Updated: June 2, 2026 - 17:01
