International media freedom organizations have expressed concerns today following revelations that a local branch of the Romanian National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) conducted physical surveillance and wiretapping of an investigative journalist. They are calling for an investigation into this incident as well as earlier cases of journalist surveillance by the agency.
The surveillance operation conducted by the DNA’s Iași office against the journalist in 2023 seems to have been excessive and unjustified, endangering both source protection and press freedom in Romania, and thus calls for scrutiny by national and European authorities.
On 17 March 2025, journalist Victor Ilie disclosed that he had been under surveillance for two months in 2023 as part of an investigation initiated by the Iași branch of the DNA in northern Romania. Documents reveal that Ilie was initially tailed for two days by DNA operatives in spring 2023 while working at the RISE Project editorial office in Bucharest. He was photographed outside the office, and his phone was monitored for two months by the DNA’s Technical Service. Ilie was also physically followed while with his partner, fellow journalist Luiza Vasiliu.
The surveillance – only revealed to Ilie after the DNA concluded its investigation -was related to a story he was researching with RISE Project and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, focusing on the grain trade from Ukraine through Romania, which was eventually published. As part of his investigative work, Ilie had gone undercover in February 2023 to interview the executive director of a local food safety directorate. Following their meeting, this individual filed a criminal complaint with the national anti-corruption body.
In a public statement, the DNA confirmed that the investigation into Ilie was opened based on this complaint of incitement to abuse and bribery, and stated that the surveillance had been authorized by a court. However, despite quickly establishing Ilie’s credentials as an investigative journalist and finding no evidence of bribery, the surveillance warrant was extended for an additional month. During this extended period, the DNA had access to details of Ilie’s movements, work projects, and private conversations with confidential sources.
While our organizations acknowledge the DNA’s duty to act on a criminal complaint, once Ilie’s status as a journalist was established, authorities should have immediately considered international standards on journalistic source confidentiality and press freedom, as set forth by the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. The unwarranted extension of the surveillance warrant for another month raises significant concerns regarding the conduct of the DNA Iași, warranting further examination.
The Ministry of Justice and other judicial bodies in Romania must promptly examine the actions taken by the DNA Iași in these cases to determine whether the surveillance operations and investigations were both necessary and proportionate. It is essential that all prosecutors and judges receive training to ensure adherence to international standards on freedom of expression and the protection of sources.
Furthermore, the European Union should monitor this case closely, including any additional responses from the DNA or DNA Iași, and the European Commission should seek clarifications from Romanian authorities while underscoring the importance of the rule of law and the safeguarding of journalistic privacy and press freedom in Romania.
Investigative journalism of the calibre practiced by Victor Ilie, his partner Luiza Vasiliu, and RISE Project plays a crucial role in exposing corruption and abuses of power. Journalists in Romania, who face significant challenges in carrying out their work, deserve to trust that the legal system fully protects them rather than subjecting them to unwarranted surveillance by the law enforcement bodies meant to uphold justice.
