Romanian Businessman Charged With Voter Bribery in Georgescu Campaign

Romanian prosecutors have sent businessman Bogdan Peșchir to trial on charges of voter bribery, alleging he distributed approximately $290,226 in gifts and cryptocurrency to influencers supporting independent candidate Călin Georgescu ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The General Prosecutor's Office stated the offenses occurred between October 13 and November 27, 2024, involving 874 material acts.

The indictment details two primary methods of distribution: 868 virtual gifts on TikTok valued at $251,065 sent to 105 users, and six cryptocurrency transfers totaling $39,160 sent to two individuals. Prosecutors describe a three-tier mechanism to co-opt high-reach influencers, direct campaign themes, and mobilize voters through systematic remuneration disguised as creative live sessions.

“I have a few ideas and a lot of money.”

Recovered messages reveal Peșchir, known online as "bogpr," contacted campaign operative Areta Ildiko Totoliciu on November 13, 2024, offering "a few ideas and a lot of money." He proposed promoting a dedicated account broadcasting Georgescu clips daily to top TikTok rankings in Romania. In private conversations, Peșchir reportedly claimed to have "checkmated TikTok" and predicted a "new president" would be installed.

Peșchir remains free pending trial. The case centers on the alleged structuring of a coordinated electoral promotion machine rather than isolated donations, marking a significant legal test regarding social media influence in Romanian elections.