Romanian authorities detained former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu on Monday and searched his home as part of a fraud investigation, with prosecutors alleging he helped defraud a businessman of over one million euros in a bogus loan scheme. The case is the third criminal proceeding against Georgescu, who already faces charges related to endorsing fascist ideas and undermining the constitutional order — all of which he denies, claiming the investigations are politically motivated. Georgescu rose to international attention after unexpectedly winning the first round of Romania's presidential election in November 2024, but was subsequently barred from the re-run, which was won by centrist Nicușor Dan in May 2025.