Jean-Claude Van Damme faces serious allegations in Romania linked to a human trafficking investigation
Credit : Shutterstock, Denis Makarenko
Belgian action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, 64, is now at the centre of a criminal complaint in Romania, where he has been named in an ongoing investigation into a suspected human trafficking network.
The complaint, filed with DIICOT — Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism — alleges that Van Damme engaged in sexual relations with women believed to be victims of a trafficking ring allegedly run by businessman Morel Bolea, who operates a modelling agency.
According to Romanian outlet Antena 3 CNN and People magazine, five women were allegedly ‘gifted’ to Van Damme during an event in Cannes, while Libertatea reports the case forms part of a wider five-year investigation into sexual exploitation and organised crime in Romania.
Van Damme accused of knowing women were trafficking victims
The lawyer representing the alleged victims, Adrian Cuculis, stated that the women were in a ‘vulnerable situation’ and may have been exploited, as defined under Article 182 of Romania’s penal code.
One of the women has reportedly told prosecutors that Van Damme was aware the women had been trafficked.
“Several Romanian citizens under investigation for operating a criminal group and engaging in prostitution allegedly offered Van Damme five Romanian photographic models,” said Cuculis.
“The person who received these ‘gifts’ was aware of their background.” While the claims have not been proven, Romanian authorities are said to be building their case around this testimony, which places Van Damme at the heart of a disturbing international scenario.
French court to rule on Van Damme trafficking case
As the alleged incident took place in Cannes, the case now rests with the French Court of Cassation, which must approve any judicial proceedings involving the actor. If authorised, those identified as suspects will be summoned to testify in Romania, according to Antena 3 CNN.
So far, Van Damme has not issued any public statement, and neither have his representatives. However, the case could take a more serious turn depending on the French court’s decision in the coming weeks.
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s career overshadowed by legal scandal
Jean-Claude Van Damme shot to international fame in the late 1980s with his breakout role in ‘Bloodsport’ and later starred in hits like ‘Double Impact’ and ‘The Expendables 2’. Over the years, he has also lent his voice to animated films, including ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ and ‘Kung Fu Panda’.
Off-screen, Van Damme’s personal life has also made headlines. He has been married five times — twice to his current wife Gladys Portugues, with whom he has two children: Christopher and Bianca Bree.
As of now, the allegations remain unproven — but with European authorities involved, the case could mark a significant moment in the actor’s legacy.
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