Romanian Police Detain Four in Criminal Probe Into Unauthorized Logging Within Băile Felix National Forest Fund

Romanian police launch a criminal probe near Băile Felix after 14 unmarked trees were illegally cut. Two logging employees and two forestry staff are in custody.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 8:27 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ECONEWS, Romania Insider, and Romania Journal

Breach of Trust in the National Forest Fund

The discovery of unauthorized logging near the spa town of Băile Felix has exposed a critical vulnerability in Romania's regulated timber industry. On January 28, 2026, the Bihor County Police Inspectorate opened a criminal case following the detection of 14 unmarked tree stumps in an area managed by the Oradea Forestry District. While the company involved, Felidan Foresta, held a valid permit for a specific timber lot, investigators allege that the firm exceeded its legal boundaries by felling healthy trees not designated for harvest. The suspected illegal activity reportedly occurred between late December 2025 and January 23, 2026, prompting an immediate halt to all logging operations in the 25-hectare sector.

Detentions and Allegations of Systemic Fraud

The investigation escalated rapidly in early February 2026, resulting in the detention of four suspects linked to the operation. According to police statements, the group includes two employees of the logging company and two individuals employed by the local forestry district. Beyond the physical theft of timber, authorities are investigating allegations that inaccurate data was entered into SUMAL 2.0, Romania’s integrated forest information system. This electronic ledger is designed to track wood from stump to sawmill, and any manipulation of its records represents a serious breach of national environmental protocols. A prosecutor is currently supervising the case to determine the extent of the collusion between private contractors and state forestry officials.

Quantifying the Ecological and Financial Damage

Initial assessments by the Forestry Guard placed the volume of illegally harvested wood at approximately 8.052 cubic meters, with a financial damage estimate of roughly 10,021 Romanian lei. However, subsequent forensic inspections of the 25-hectare plot have suggested the number of affected trees may be as high as 16, with damage estimates adjusted upward. Teodor Suciu, the Bihor Forestry Director, emphasized that the species targeted—specifically oak, hornbeam, and cherry—were not marked for felling. The damage calculations include not only the market value of the timber but also a valuation for "unrealized forest functions," accounting for the lost ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and flood prevention.