Romanian authorities have reportedly seized $7 million from the home of Bogdan Peșchir, a 36-year-old crypto entrepreneur and popular TikToker known as “bogpr,” as part of a high-profile investigation into alleged election fraud. Peșchir, who gained fame for handing out cash on TikTok, is accused of financing the controversial rise of far-right, pro-Russian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu.
Peșchir allegedly transferred $381,000 to TikTok accounts that relentlessly promoted Georgescu’s campaign. The obscure anti-NATO engineer and independent candidate shocked the nation by emerging as the front-runner in Romania’s first voting round in late November, despite entering the race just weeks earlier. With over 25,000 TikTok accounts amassing a combined following of 8 million, Georgescu’s sudden popularity has been linked to allegations of Russian interference.
Suspicion of Russian Influence
Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis and the United States have both categorized Georgescu’s rapid rise as unlawful election interference. The campaign is alleged to have gained media attention during prohibited periods, leading Romania to halt the second round of voting and initiate a sweeping investigation.
Peșchir is suspected of funneling €1 million ($1.05 million) in illicit funds to support Georgescu’s campaign. Documents from Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defense indicate that between October 24 and November 24, Peșchir made $381,000 in payments to TikTok accounts promoting Georgescu, including after the official campaign period ended—violating Romanian electoral law.
Peșchir, however, maintains his innocence, claiming his donations were voluntary and unrelated to any agreements. “I don’t even know [Georgescu] personally,” he stated, accusing the media of harassment and threatening legal action.
Crypto Links Raise Questions
Peșchir’s ties to cryptocurrency have drawn additional scrutiny. He is associated with BitXATM, a Romanian crypto ATM firm involved in a theft scandal in 2016. The company’s founder, Gabriel Prodanescu, accused a former employee of the crime, and Peșchir later testified at the trial, which resulted in a conviction. BitXATM ceased operations shortly thereafter, with users claiming they lost funds. Prodanescu later founded another crypto firm in the UK, Globaya LTD, where Peșchir is listed as an employee.
Authorities are questioning how Peșchir’s declared income supports his extravagant lifestyle, which includes luxury cars like a Porsche and a BMW. Peșchir denies any wrongdoing, stating, “I have income from other sources, completely legal, that are declared and taxed.”
Controversy Surrounding Georgescu’s Campaign
Călin Georgescu’s rise has drawn global attention. His far-right, anti-NATO stance and rapid ascent have raised concerns of foreign influence, with the Kremlin denying involvement and dismissing the allegations as “an unprecedented outburst of anti-Russian hysteria.”
Georgescu’s campaign was bolstered by TikTok accounts with millions of followers, but Peșchir insists his financial contributions were ethical. “The attacks on the system […] motivate me even more to support Călin Georgescu,” he said.
Implications of the Election Fraud Probe
The Romanian election fraud investigation highlights growing concerns over the use of social media and cryptocurrency in political interference. While Peșchir denies direct ties to Georgescu, his financial transactions and association with past crypto controversies have placed him at the center of Romania’s halted election process.
