Former Romanian presidential candidate Clin Giorgescu has been arrested by police and organized crime prosecutors on suspicion of fraud and the creation of a criminal group.

Giorgesco rose to prominence after surprisingly winning the first round of the 2024 presidential election with 23 percent of the vote, but the constitutional court later annulled the election and barred him from running again over alleged ties to a Russian influence operation.

Prosecutors accuse him and others of defrauding a businessman by promising access to foreign financing in exchange for cash guarantees. The victim allegedly lost more than 1.1 million euros.

Giorgescu is already facing separate cases for alleged attempts to undermine Romania's constitutional order and promote fascist ideology.

He denies wrongdoing and says the cases are politically motivated.