Confiscated vehicles at Romanian Border

  Has Your Company Car Been Confiscated at the Border for Migrant Smuggling? Here's What You Need to Know

If you're a business owner and your company vehicle was seized at the Romanian border due to migrant smuggling – even if you had no involvement – you're not alone. More and more legal entities are facing unjust car confiscations simply because their vehicles were leased, rented, or driven by third parties.

This article explains your rights and how you can legally challenge the confiscation.

Why Was Your Vehicle Seized?

Romanian Border Police are under increasing pressure to curb illegal immigration. As a result, cars used – or even suspected of being used – to transport undocumented migrants are being seized under the Law on the Regime of Foreigners in Romania (OUG nr. 194/2002) and Criminal Code provisions regarding migrant trafficking.

Unfortunately, even legitimate companies whose vehicles were stolen, leased, or sublet may find themselves penalized without fault.

Can a Legal Entity Be Held Liable?

Under Romanian law, legal entities (companies) can be held subsidiarily liable in criminal proceedings only if they had knowledge or consented to the criminal use of the asset.

Good news: If you can prove that your company had no knowledge of the illegal activity and took reasonable steps to prevent misuse of the vehicle, you may successfully challenge the confiscation in court.

What You Can Do – Step by Step:

1. Act Immediately – Don’t wait for a final judgment. Engage a lawyer and intervene in the criminal case as a third party with an interest (terț de bună-credință).

2. Gather Evidence – Prepare:

   • Leasing/rental contracts

   • Proof of registration in the company’s name

   • Internal policies or statements showing lack of involvement

   • Police reports if the vehicle was stolen

3. Request Provisional Measures – A skilled lawyer can request the court to lift the seizure or exclude the vehicle from confiscation, arguing your company’s good-faith ownership.

4. Challenge the Confiscation – Even after a conviction, civil appeals or separate claims may be filed to recover the vehicle or obtain compensation.

 How a Lawyer Can Help

An experienced attorney can:

• File procedural objections to the confiscation

• Represent your company in criminal or civil proceedings

• Argue for lack of criminal liability of the legal entity

• Request the court to release the vehicle back to your firm

You Have the Right to Recover Your Vehicle

Many companies are unaware they can fight back. Confiscation is not automatic, and Romanian courts have already ruled in favor of legal entities that proved lack of fault and lawful ownership.

Need Help Now?

If your company vehicle was seized at the Romanian border, we can assist you immediately. Our legal team offers:

• Urgent analysis of your case

• Preparation of procedural documents

• Representation before Romanian courts and prosecutors

📩 Contact a Lawyer Now