Farmer from Brașov detained by DNA: 333 fictitious animals claimed for APIA subsidies
A sheep farmer from Brașov County was detained for 24 hours after allegedly falsely declaring 429 sheep and 55 goats to APIA, whilst actually owning only 151 sheep.
Sheep farmer from Brașov detained after declaring 333 non-existent animals to obtain European funding
A farmer from Brașov County was detained by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) from 28 October 2026 after prosecutors established that he had submitted false documents to APIA concerning the livestock numbers in his farm, according to Jurnalul.ro.
According to the investigators, the man allegedly requested subsidies for 429 sheep and 55 goats. On-site checks showed that the farm actually held only 151 sheep and no goats — a difference of 278 sheep and 55 goats, or 333 incorrectly declared animals.
Prosecutors from the Brașov Territorial Service of the DNA ordered the initiation of criminal proceedings and the detention for 24 hours of the suspect. The case concerns the attempted unlawful acquisition of European funds through the use of false, inaccurate or incomplete documents or declarations.
According to the DNA, between May and September 2026, the farmer allegedly submitted to the Agency for Payments and Intervention for Agriculture (APIA) — Brașov County Centre — documents presenting an unrealistic picture of the livestock numbers on his farm. Through this manoeuvre, he allegedly sought to obtain both European funds and financial support from the national budget granted to animal farmers.
The offence remained in the attempt stage. According to the DNA, the suspect's actions were interrupted on 11 September 2026, when prosecutors carried out searches and investigations at the location.
The farmer is to be presented on Thursday, 29 October, to Brașov Court with a proposal for preventive arrest for 30 days. The investigators noted that the suspect is a repeat offender, which indicates the existence of a previous relevant criminal conviction. The DNA did not communicate details about the nature of that previous conviction.
The man was informed of his status as a defendant and the charges brought against him.
Source: Jurnalul.ro