Firms To Watch: White-collar crime

SCA Chirita si Asociatii is a Cluj-based firm with a reputation for white-collar crime which transcends its regional presence. Managing partner Radu Chirita is the key contact.
Haratau & Asociatii has recently been involved in multiple high-profile criminal investigations and procedures spanning the construction, financial services and energy sectors. Managing partner Adian Haratau is a highly experienced criminal litigator.
Wolf Theiss has made a strong push into the white-collar crime area following two high profile recruitments: former Kinstellar practitioner Bogdan Bibicu, and former ENACHE PIRTEA & Associates criminal law specialist, Bogdan Lamatic, who joins as a senior associate.
White-collar crime is a core area for Bradu Neagu & Associates and its well regarded managing partner Roman Bradu; the team represents a broad spectrum of high-profile clients in a broad range of cases.

Firms in the Spotlight White-collar crime

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen logo

For over 30 years, Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP) has guided both domestic and international companies through the intricacies of the Romanian legal landscape, being recognized as a promoter of business law on the local market. NNDKP offers integrated legal and tax services at international standards across all legal areas relevant for businesses and …

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Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii logo

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii is a leading Romanian independent law firm. Established in 1995, as one of the first incorporated partnerships, the firm brings together strong local resources, with exceptional credentials, outstanding records and distinguished careers in law, business and academia.

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White-collar crime in Romania

Albu Morar

Boutique firm Albu Morar comes highly recommended for its white-collar crime expertise and is noted for its ‘highly skilled team of local lawyers with a strong international background‘. The group represents clients in claims involving a wide range of offences, including abuse of office, professional misconduct, insurance and public procurement fraud, market manipulation, tax evasion and environmental abuses. In addition to the firm’s strong litigation expertise, it advises on internal investigations and compliance, and has a stellar track record dealing with domestic and international bodies on cross-border matters. Founder Gabriel Albu is ‘one of very few lawyers in the white-collar practice who understands and is able to give useful advice for both the business and criminal law worlds‘. Key senior associates include Ana PopescuMihai Lemnaru and Mihai Morar.

Practice head(s):

Gabriel Albu; Daniel Morar


Other key lawyers:

Ana Popescu; Mihai Lemnaru; Mihai Morar


Testimonials

‘Gabriel Albu and his team are always available. He is a true expert in commercial law and his long term experience in M&A law makes him an excellent lawyer in the white-collar crime area.’

‘Highly skilled team of local lawyers with a strong international background. They are very good in their area of practice (white-collar crime) and the fact they are focussed only on this practice not diluting themselves in other areas of law is an unique approach, turned into an excellent competitive advantage compared to other law firms in the market.’

‘I mainly interacted with Gabriel Albu, the founder and managing partner, who is our first preference when referring clients in need of legal assistance on matters associated to white-collar crime, both when it comes to compliance, but also when needing legal support with procedures against them. He was always responsive and had excellent feedback from clients we have sent to him and his office.’

‘Gabriel Albu is one of very few lawyers in the white-collar practice who understands and is able to give useful advice for both the business and criminal law worlds. Very agile, good listening skills, pro-active approach.’

‘Albu Legal is indeed a “Swiss watch” working like a team under Gabriel Albu’s very efficient coordination. Mihai Lemnaru and Mihai Morar are two standout and reliable young professionals.’

‘Gabriel Albu is a very well-known top professional in this practice area. He is recognised for his corporate background and longstanding experience in many high-level cases in the white-collar crime practice area. His fluent English and understanding of both the corporate world and the justice system recommends him and his firm for corporate clients and complex cases.’

‘Gabriel Albu has strong knowledge of the practice, is solution-oriented.’

Key clients

KazMunayGas/ Rompetrol


OMV Petrom (member of OMV Austria Group)


RCS & RDS/ Digi


Intrarom


Unigrains Trading


Anchor Group


Work highlights


  • Representing KazMunayGas/Rompetrol in their criminal law-related matters, such as work safety cases, various inquiries from authorities, as well as advising on criminal law risk-related analyses.
  • Representing RCS & RDS and its CEO in a pending criminal trial on charges of bribery and money laundering related to the acquisition of football TV rights.
  • Defending Intrarom in a pending tax fraud case.

Budusan & Asociatii SPARL

Budusan & Asociatii SPARL is a well established white-collar crime boutique which has an excellent track record representing domestic and international companies and individuals, including former politicians, in high-profile business crime and corruption cases. Recently, this has acting in major EU funds fraud cases in the infrastructure and food industries, tax evasion, and professional misconduct claims. Founding partner Ovidiu Budusan has experience from both sides of the table, having previously been prosecutor-in-chief of Romania’s Division for the Prosecution of Corruption and Organised Crime. Budusan is backed by a highly qualified team of partners, including Florentina FrumusanuLiana Iacob and George Toniuc.

Practice head(s):

Ovidiu Budusan


Other key lawyers:

Florentina Frumusanu; Liana Iacob; George Toniuc


Testimonials

‘After a decade long collaboration with them, I strongly recommend the firm as a highly skilled legal team, and Florentina Frumusanu as a hard-working, creative and result-oriented lawyer.’

Key clients

Grup Feroviar Roman


Dedeman


Vista Bank Romania


Vascar


Artmark Group


Kastamonu Romania


Credit Europe Romania


Unicredit Romania


Murfatlar Group


Somaco Group


Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. France


American International School of Bucharest LLC


Autocar Group


Rewe Romania


CAST SRL


Premier Energy SA


Florian Bodog


Dobrica Dumitru


Work highlights


  • Representing Hecta Viticol/Cronotard in a judicial investigation concerning criminal infringements of the client’s intellectual property rights through the import and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, with an estimated loss of approximately €100m.
  • Successfully defended a private client in a court trial concerning alleged professional offences following the bankruptcy of the insurance company ASTRA.

Mares & Mares

Mares & Mares is often a ‘top choice‘ for major white-collar crime matters due to its reputation as ‘one of the leading specialist firms in Bucharest‘. The firm is noted for its strength in depth, and provides ‘an excellent range of capability from partners through to senior associates and associates‘. Recently, the firm has been involved in multiple antibribery and corruption claims involving issues linked to money laundering, tax evasion and insider dealing. Founding partner Mihai Mares is ‘a star of the Bucharest criminal bar‘ whose ‘strong advocacy skills are combined with excellent technical knowledge‘. Other key individuals include former prosecutor and of counsel Alexandra Sinc, associate Traian Badescu, and Valentina Dorin.

Practice head(s):

Mihai Mares


Other key lawyers:

Alexandra Sinc; Traian Badescu; Valentina Dorin


Testimonials

‘Mares & Mares is our top choice for white-collar crime matters. The team is working very well together under the efficient coordination of the managing partner, Mihai Mares. The practitioners are very dynamic and proactive, having a strong background in corporate and financial criminal matters.’

‘Mihai Mares is a star of the Bucharest criminal bar. His strong advocacy skills are combined with excellent technical knowledge.’

‘Out-of-the-box solutions for various projects.’

‘Mares & Mares provide an excellent range of capability from partners through to senior associates and associates. They are responsive, engaging and provide clarity of advice and are well placed to consider the most complex and technically challenging matters and provide clear and articulate advice. Their speed with which they can assimilate information is commendable and is a further reason for seeking their assured guidance on white-collar crime matters in the region.’

‘Mihai Mares provides thoughtful and assured advice; is patient and carefully listens to your concerns; and provides prompt and reliable strategic advice and guidance on risks within a region in which I previously had no experience. A go-to in times of crisis.’

‘They are able to furnish very good assistance and provide good quality services. They are responsive and easy to communicate with throughout the entire process, offering an excellent client experience. They have a well-deserved reputation in the market for excellence in the white-collar crime field. I could not wish to be assisted by a better team of professionals and people who genuinely care about their clients.’

‘Mihai Mares is very thorough, insightful, and persuasive; he always provides hands-on advice. There are some excellent associates who supplement the seniors very well. Focused on optimising his clients’ interests’; he proved to be highly diligent and technically very strong in his assistance towards us.’

‘One of the leading specialist firms in Bucharest. In Mihai Mares the firm has an outstanding lawyer with frontline experience of practice in a very specialised and challenging area of international law.’

Key clients

Comcereal Vaslui


SIF 5 Oltenia


DELTON AG


CBRE Romania (Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis)


Corneliu Porumboiu


Jiffy Packaging SA (Pregis Company)


Skylight Residence


CDC Transport Innovation


DacAir SA


Toyota Motors (Romania)


Work highlights


  • Representing Palme d’Or winner and film director Corneliu Porumboiu in a criminal investigation into the Romanian film industry.
  • Representing CDC Transport Innovation in an investigation linked to a major cigarette smuggling case.

Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners

Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners is commended for its ‘exceptional competence‘ and ‘deep understanding of criminal law’. The firm’s multifaceted disputes practice makes it a strong choice for complex cases involving a broad range of overlapping white-collar crime issues, including claims-linked public procurement, capital markets, taxation and intellectual property. The specialist team is led by Valerian Cioclei, a former prosecutor with over 40 years’ market experience. Calin-Andrei Zamfirescu, who is regularly involved in high-profile domestic and cross-border prosecutions and fraud claims, is another key contact. Managing associate Doru Cosmin Ursu is noted as ‘a strategic thinker', while George Avram is ‘passionate and thoughtful about every issue in the case‘.

Practice head(s):

Valerian Cioclei


Other key lawyers:

Calin-Andrei Zamfirescu; Doru Cosmin Ursu; George Avram


Testimonials

‘We engaged the ZRVP team due to their multidisciplinary knowledge, which was necessitated by the complex nature of the case. The white-collar team demonstrated exceptional competence in following up on issues entrusted to them.’

‘The lawyers from ZRVP were easily aligned with our objectives and very helpful for us to understand the specific issues of a criminal case. They have a deep understanding of criminal law and how to approach the competition and public procurement issues related to the case. They are well-experienced lawyers, dedicated to providing useful advice to the client, with precise guidance and efficient follow-up.’

‘Doru Cosmin Ursu is a strategic thinker, skilled in leading his team in our complex matter. He understands his clients’ business, discusses different scenarios and proposes very interesting solutions.’

‘George Avram is passionate and thoughtful about every issue in the case. He is also very personable, and clients enjoy working with him.’

Key clients

Alison Hayes


Alpha Bank


Alu Menziken


Banca Transilvania


Central Securities Depository (Romania)


Cyprus Popular Bank


Compania Romprest Service


Delca Energy (Italy)


GreenGold Management


ICPE


ING Bank Romania


Japan Tobacco International


Kronospan


Network One Distribution


Philip Morris


Polaris M Holding


Raiffeisen Bank


Saint-Gobain


UCO Tesatura


Unicredit Bank


Unicredit SpA Italia


Work highlights


  • Successfully representedDelca Energy before the Alba Iulia Court of Appeal in a cross-border case concerning alleged offences related to waste shipment sent from Italy to Romania.
  • Successfully represented 45 survivors and persons close to the victims of the Colectiv Club fire in a €8.5m damages claim before the magistrates of the Bucharest Court of Appeal.
  • Successfully defended an international gaming solutions supplier and operator against alleged tax fraud claims amounting to over $360m.

CMS

CMS has an experienced and specialised team which has ‘extensive knowledge of the applicable legislation and can easily understand the complex schemes specific to white-collar crimes‘. The firm combines its impressive international reach with strong domestic capabilities to provide clients with a comprehensive service, covering contentious and risk management issues. Recently, this has included support with high-profile, cross-border corruption investigations, and matters linked to cybercrime, tax evasion, embezzlement and fraud, with clients from across a broad range of industries instructing the firm. Practice head and senior counsel Mihai Jiganie-Serban is able to ‘evaluate any case from more than just a criminal law perspective and carefully consider and correlate all other considerations and expert opinions‘. Senior associate Cosmin Cretu is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Mihai Jiganie-Serban


Other key lawyers:

Cosmin Cretu


Testimonials

‘Mihai Jiganie-Serban is an experienced lawyer, involved in the most complex tax evasion and money laundering cases in Romania, obtaining excellent results for his clients.’

‘They operate fast and accurate. They have good legal knowledge and know the actors in the business. They answer always in a proper way and understand what you mean. Their written and spoken English is very good.’

‘I have worked with Mihai Jiganie-Serban and his team for many years on various projects. I greatly appreciate their depth of knowledge in the field of criminal law and breadth of their experience. A very important distinguishing factor (not frequently found in competing practices in the market) is the ability to team up with complementary experts and organize an all-round multifaceted defence of a client.’

‘My special mention is for Mihai Jiganie-Serban. He is a very experienced lawyer. I especially value Mihai’s ability to think outside the box, evaluate any case from more than just a criminal law perspective and carefully consider and correlate all other considerations and expert opinions.’

‘In the most difficult situations, Mihai Jiganie-Serban is able to provide the best advice to a client, clearly identify valid options, instil calm (a very important skill in such a domain!) and very diligently and competently handle the opposing authorities. Also I would like to commend Mihai’s excellent command of English, which is a critical differentiating factor on the Romanian market. I would definitely recommend Mihai to any corporate or individual client, seeking the highest quality assistance.’

‘The WCC practice at CMS is top-notch. The CMS WCC team comprises high quality professionals who really care about their clients and who are always able to provide the best business-focused legal advice.’

‘Mihai Jiganie-Serban is an experienced lawyer, client-oriented, knowledgeable and always knows how to choose the best strategies.’

‘The team has extensive knowledge of the applicable legislation and can easily understand the complex issues specific to white-collar crimes. They can easily provide the support needed by clients.’

ENACHE PIRTEA & Associates

Highly regarded boutique ENACHE PIRTEA & Associates is well versed in contentious defence work, risk management and compliance advice. The firm has extensive expertise across a range of issues, including tax evasion, corporate manslaughter, fraud and corruption. Key to the firm’s success are its much lauded name partners; the ‘simply outstanding‘ Simona Pirteasomehow manages to overcome any problem that she is facing, providing smart and practical solutions‘, while Madalin Enache is ‘a highly experienced litigator who provides great support, proposing strategies that prove to be very effective‘. Clients also single out recently promoted partner Adrian Rusu.

Practice head(s):

Simona Pirtea; Madalin Enache


Other key lawyers:

Adrian Rusu


Testimonials

‘A law firm that stands out for its efficiency and proactivity, in particular. The firm’s lawyers are very well trained, have experience in the field of criminal law and more. According to our continuous cooperation with the lawyers, we’ve appreciated their openness and interest in solving any legal cases, irrespective of how difficult these were.’

‘Simona Pirtea and Madalin Enache are the partners that we’ve have worked with during the last years. Both of them are very proactive and supportive. Anytime you need the opinion of an expert on white-collar crime, you can trust their opinions.’

‘When you work with them you can expect to receive both strong knowledge of the law and a great level of honesty and empathy towards the cause of the client. They team up different lawyers on the case to round up the best expertise – from incredible attention to detail and procedures to actually being creative and going that extra mile. They simply have the spark that it takes to go from a good lawyer to a brilliant one. They write short, smart, clear and effective, always on point. Exceptional in white-collar crime cases.’

‘Madalin Enache and Adrian Rusu are predominantly involved in our cases. Madalin Enache is always honest, straightforward and with a very strong presence in court. He is very good in mediation and reacting fast to changes on the spot. Adrian Rusu is exceptional at conveying the message very clearly, short and compelling. He has an outstanding memory of details and he also has the ability to became part of the team of the client. They both exude trust and capability.’

‘Simona Pirtea has outstanding negotiation skills, apart from having a very good knowledge of the law, of the market practices and of the client. Madalin Enache is a highly experienced litigator who provides great support, proposing strategies that prove to be very effective. Last but not least, Adrian Rusu is a very well organised and committed lawyer who never missed a detail and always delivered what we asked for.’

‘Madalin Enache stands out for being a great and reliable lawyer. He’s very fast, smart and thorough. The lawyer that you want when you need one.’

‘When it comes to business criminal law and criminal compliance, Simona Pirtea is simply outstanding. She somehow manages to overcome any problem that she is facing, providing smart and practical solutions for criminal matters. Simona is highly professional, the best in risk management, prevention and managing very complex white-collar cases, also being capable of seeing opportunities and solutions where others do not. The attention she pays to the client’s needs and the trustworthy relation she created led me to only one conclusion: she owns the game!’

Key clients

ENEL Global Infrastructure & Network


E-DISTRIBUTIE Muntenia


KREDYT INKASO Investments


CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)


Fotbal Club CFR 1907 CLUJ


MEDLIFE


UIPATH


ALPHA BANK Romania


PROMPT SA


DSC Express Logistic


TOURING Rent Auto


 


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented the former CEOs and CFOs of ENEL Romania in a criminal case regarding accusations of tax evasion and intellectual forgery.
  • Representing the parent and Romanian company from the Kredyt Inkaso group in a complex cross-border investigation concerning an organised criminal group created by the former CEO, together with other former employees and business partners.
  • Representing CAF (Spain) in a criminal investigation into a metro train incident involving civil damages and criminal responsibility.

Popescu & Asociatii

Popescu & Asociatii fields an expanding white-collar crime practice which compliments the firm’s wide-ranging dispute resolution capabilities. Clients commend the ‘brilliant team‘, which was further enhanced by the arrival of Gheorghe Buta from Musat & Asociatii in June 2022; he is described by one client as ‘truly a catch for the firm‘. Buta joins ‘absolute go-toAdrian Chirvase, who leads the team with a stellar track record in tax fraud, compliance, investigations and criminal defence in a broad spectrum of cases, including public procurement-related corruption claims. Founding partner Octavian Popescu is also singled out, and his ‘expertise and experience in the legal field is undeniable in the court room‘. The firm represents major domestic and international companies, as well as politicians and high-net-worth individuals.

Practice head(s):

Octavian Popescu; Adrian Chirvase; Gheorghe Buta


Testimonials

‘Octavian Popescu’s expertise and experience in the legal field is undeniable in the court room. The knowledge and level of service is always quite extraordinary every time we had interactions. He is technically strong, super-efficient and always available, providing first-class advice and representation, very clear and thoughtful recommendations, making him a pleasure to work alongside.’

‘Adrian Chirvase is our absolute go-to lawyer for white-collar crime matters, he is top of the list for all our sensitive and complicated matters. He is very good at managing complexity, enabling him to play different roles, whether leading negotiations or providing analysis and input as an adviser. He also draws my praise as a very pragmatic, level-headed lead partner whose ego doesn’t get in the way of client goals.’

‘Top of the top is Gheorghe Buta. He is truly a catch for the firm. He brought a full bag of experience to the team.’

‘Popescu & Asociatii is a very successful firm because they have managed to integrate their regulatory expertise with longstanding experience dealing with litigation, dispute resolution and the white-collar crime field, and this is a main differentiator on the Romanian legal market. They were clearly very well versed in their field, professional and pleasant to work with. We wanted to pick the best brains in the country, and they are among them.’

‘We thought the team was brilliant, they have so much expertise. They’re phenomenal in every single way. particularly strong at developing a compelling narrative and keeping that in mind as we navigated discrete issues that came up in the case. They provide everything in-house counsel would want – they’re responsive, practical and clear, while keeping the particular business needs in mind. They’re one of our most called-upon law firms for the variety of experience they offer, the practicality of their advice and the timeliness of their responses.’

‘The team always treat us like we are their only concern and only client. They are always very responsive, professional, and accurate in their documentation. Rare strategic thinkers in their field, dynamic and engaging speakers, and true professionals.’

‘I think should be mentioned first of all Gheorghe Buta whose notoriety in the legal field is unique. He is one of the most famous professionals who has succeeded in all the fields in which he worked, being known both as a prosecutor, as a judge at the highest level and later as a perfect lawyer. I am very happy with his reunion with Octavian Popescu with whom he makes an extraordinary team. In this context, I also mention Octavian who represents an important exponent of the legal profession. From what I know he is one of the most respected litigators in Romania and I think he deserves all the praise for the way he built his career.’

‘Brilliant team, young yet very experienced due to very complex projects delivered during the past 10 years.’

Key clients

Banca Transilvania


First Bank


European Drinks Food Group


Enel


Credit Europe Bank


Mega Image


Mytilineos Holding


Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry


Sometra


Kaufland Romania


Atlantic Motors


Electrica Furnizare


Academia Romana


Teamnet International


Remat


Campeador


B2holding/B2kapital


Debt Collection Agency


Ultimo Portfolio Investment


Agexim Spedition


Eco Green Construct



Work highlights


  • Represented Elena Udrea in a case regarding accusations of corruption and abuse of office allegedly committed by the former minister.
  • Representing Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its President in relation to alleged crimes committed against the financial interests of the European Communities.
  • Represented Raed Arafat, Head of the Department for Emergency Situations, in an anticorruption investigation into a major public procurement process related to the provision of over 680 ambulances and other specialised vehicles.

Kinstellar

Kinstellar has strong expertise across a range of domestic and cross-border matters, including cybercrime, allegations of corruption, money laundering, tax evasion and fraud. While the bulk of the work is for major corporates, the firm also acts on behalf of high-net-worth individuals on related issues. ‘Exceptional‘ practice head Remus Codreanu is marked out by his ‘really deep knowledge and fantastic dedication‘. He is backed by an experienced team of senior associates who are noted for their ‘commitment, flexibility, responsiveness, professionalism and ability to perform under tight deadlines‘.

Practice head(s):

Remus Codreanu


Testimonials

‘Kinstellar has been our trusted advisor of choice for a long time now. We appreciate the firm’s wide range of legal services, high standards in terms of legal advice they provide, and their 24/7 availability to assist a client. We also point to the team’s excellent knowledge of the law and ability to provide a broader view to a problem, which allows them to always identify the best solution for you.’

‘They represented our company, interests and objectives at all times, this definitely highlights the team’s admirable technical abilities.’

‘Remus Codreanu definitely stands out thanks to his really deep knowledge and fantastic dedication. Remus demonstrated wide experience in the field, strong knowledge of procedures and regulations, as well as an amazing ability to find solutions, which made him stand out as an exceptional lawyer. We also appreciate Remus’s team of senior associates, whom we recognize for their commitment, flexibility, responsiveness, professionalism and ability to perform under tight deadlines.’

Key clients

Culiţă Tărȃţă


Nitrogénművek


Genezis Trade Romania


Dow Europe


Work highlights


  • Representing Romanian businessman, Culiţă Tȃrȃţă, in more than 50 ongoing civil, insolvency and criminal cases.
  • Representing Nitrogénművek and Genezis Trade Romania  in an ongoing criminal case.

Musat & Asociatii

Musat & Asociatii combines its strong litigation practice with a deep knowledge of white-collar crime issues and related investigations and risk management advice. The team fields several senior litigators with a stellar track record in the area, including Gheorghe Musat and Cosmin Libotean. Recently promoted partner Alexandru Terța also has an active practice, regularly representing clients in disputes linked to charges of fraud, bribery, embezzlement and money laundering. Stefan Diaconescu is noted at the managing associate level.

Practice head(s):

Gheorghe Musat; Cosmin Libotean


Other key lawyers:

Alexandru Terța; Stefan Diaconescu


Testimonials

‘Musat & Associatii is an old and reliable law firm who put clients at the top of their priorities. They respected their agreements and I could count on them for my longlasting litigations. Truly professional.’

‘Stefan Diaconescu is a hard-working and reliable lawyer who fought for the cause till the last second. Never let me down. I got the best service I could have.’

‘Musat & Asociatii is a reliable law firm with an excellent team of lawyers. We have been working with Musat & Asociatii since 2017 and always the professionalism and expertise of the lawyers involved in our company’s cases have led to obtaining the best resolution in those cases.’

‘I worked with Stefan Diaconescu, who always offered us the best legal advice and demonstrated a strong commitment to the client. He has strong knowledge in criminal law, being extremely professional, very attentive to the details and highly collaborative and committed to positive results.’

Key clients

Tekpad Distribution


Profi Rom Food


Pharmnet Plus


MHS Truck & Bus


Rompetrol Rafinare


Leoni


Kaufland Romania


Engie


Flughafen Munchen


Romimpianti


 


Work highlights


  • Representing Rompetrol Rafinare, including the companies within the KMGI group, in its defence in a white-collar related case.
  • Representing Leoni and its Romanian subsidiary, a major global supplier of wires, cables and wiring systems, in an IT fraud investigation across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Representing Engie Romania in several criminal cases and damages claims involving gas explosions and other incidents.

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has a strong grounding in defence trials and also assists numerous multinationals with internal investigations. Cases with a strong tax, capital markets and public procurement angle regularly feature on the agenda, as do mandates linked to money laundering, bribery and the embezzlement of EU funds. Practice head Alexandru Ambrozie is also known for his capital markets work. Other key individuals include managing associate Alexandru Nicolae, an experienced criminal litigator, and senior associate Ana Stoenescu, who advises on compliance and internal investigations.

Practice head(s):

Alexandru Ambrozie


Other key lawyers:

Alexandru Nicolae; Ana Stoenescu


Testimonials

‘PNSA are very strong in white-collar crime cases. We have been working with them on a number of matters for around 3 years. They are responsive, knowledgeable and client-friendly.We have been working extremely successfully as a team for a big corporate client.’

Key clients

Federal Assurance


Fondul Proprietatea


Auchan


DB Schenker


Orange


Philips


Medist


Ductil/Lincoln Electric Group


Ameropa


Banque Banorient France


Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA

Schoenherr si Asociatii SCA practice is ‘particularly versatile and able to solve any critical criminal law issue‘. The firm regularly represents multinationals in regional corporate investigations and advises on crisis management issues, with a sub-team dedicated to related risk management and compliance matters. The team also has a strong track record in defending criminal claims before the courts, and Magdalena Roibu is singled out as a ‘skilled criminal law attorney‘. Managing partner Sebastian Gutiu oversees the practice.

Practice head(s):

Sebastian Gutiu


Other key lawyers:

Magdalena Roibu


Testimonials

‘The white-collar crime team at Schoenherr is particularly versatile and able to solve any critical criminal law issue. They always strive to find the best solution, tailored to the client’s needs, and are pragmatically result-oriented.’

‘We have worked with the white collar-crime team and we always value their practical expertise and vast knowledge in criminal matters.’

‘Magdalena Roibu particularly understands the level of preparation and attention to detail that is required to provide the clients with the very best representation. She is a skilled criminal law attorney. I definitely recommend her, not only for her lawyering skills, but also for her personal involvement in each client’s case.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a major company in a long-term white-collar crime case which involves over 100 distinct parties.
  • Representing a multinational company in a complex case concerning cybercrimes committed against the client.

Vernon | David

Compliance, fraud and white-collar crime advice form a key part of Vernon | David‘s overall offering. The firm has an ‘outstanding practice', with clients commending its ‘innovative approach‘. The team is a popular choice with international companies at the receiving end of cross-border criminal procedures and investigations. Managing partner Charles Vernon and litigation head Daniela David make a great team‘. The firm’s Chisinau office forms a strong bridge for investors with interests in both the Romanian and Moldovan markets.

Practice head(s):

Charles Vernon; Daniela David


Testimonials

‘Incredible professionals. They are very innovative and in regards to our case are definitely pioneers regarding market practices and approach.’

‘Outstanding practice in both civil and criminal cases. Reliable and devoted to their mission. Out of the box thinking and solutions to the most complicated cases.’

‘Vernon|David is well known for their quick response to our legal issues. They are dealing with unique legal situations cases for us and provided our management with great legal solutions. We have a great communication with the entire team and they are the best.’

‘Daniela David and Charles Vernon make a great team. Their expertise in white-collar crimes provided us with the best solution and assistance for our management. Their sharp and quick response in our case was incredible and led to the best results.’

Key clients

Oracle


Victoriabank


Peace Corp


Casella Wines


TMK Artrom


Raycap Corporation


Xannat Minerals


Spearhead Group


Freyrom (a subsidiary of Freyssinet International & Cie group)


SBR (a subsidiary of Soletanche Bachy)


Calarasi County Hospital


Work highlights


  • Advising Australian winery Casella Wines on the seizure of counterfeit wine in the Republic of Moldova and the illegal use of the client’s brand.
  • Representing TMK Group before both health safety and criminal authorities and bodies following the death of several employees in a workplace accident.
  • Advising Xannat on a series of criminal and regulatory complaints, including theft, forgery, and environmental issues.

Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii

Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii brings its full service strengths to bear on a wide range of domestic and global white-collar crime procedures and investigations, ranging from tax evasion, public procurement-related corruption and management of EU funds, to civil fraud and money laundering issues. Litigation head Robert Rosu leads the group alongside managing associate Manuela Gornoviceanu, a criminal lawyer with over 30 years’ experience.  Clients come from across the full spectrum of industries including consumer goods, financial services, pharmaceuticals and energy.

Practice head(s):

Robert Rosu; Manuela Gornoviceanu


Testimonials

‘If a criminal case includes fiscal, public procurement or others aspects, they have the power to provide a full service.’

‘Manuela Gorovniceanu is a very passionate lawyer. Good knowledge of European law.’