Romania’s Ministry of Defence uncovered a scandal involving hundreds of soldiers, including active-duty personnel on parental leave, who allegedly worked as mercenaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in breach of military regulations, according to Euractiv.
The findings, revealed during an internal investigation, have prompted disciplinary action and a review of oversight protocols. The probe identified 466 reservists—transferred out of active service due to age, resignation, or medical grounds—who signed contracts with private security firms operating in Congo.
Seven active-duty soldiers were found to have engaged in mercenary activities between 2023 and early 2025 while legally on parental leave for children under two years old.
The ministry confirmed that one soldier’s case has already been forwarded to the Military Prosecutor’s Office, with similar legal steps pending for the remaining six. Three of the seven are still on parental leave, while four have returned to their units. Disciplinary and administrative procedures are underway, pending potential criminal charges.
Meanwhile, 24 reservists who worked in Congo were reinstated to the military between 2023 and 2024. The ministry downplayed risks, stating they hold junior roles with “minimal access to classified information,” though enhanced monitoring measures have been enforced.
Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr has demanded an urgent review of the lapses that enabled the breaches, vowing stricter preventive measures.
The scandal highlights systemic vulnerabilities in tracking personnel, particularly reservists and those on leave, raising questions about Romania’s compliance with international norms on mercenary activities.
