Members of Parliament from the National Alternative Movement (MAN) have introduced a legislative initiative aimed at combating fraud committed by telephone, through online platforms and other electronic communications, including through so-called “call centers.” MAN lawmakers propose amending the Criminal Code so that this form of theft is regulated separately and those who organize and coordinate such criminal networks can be held criminally liable, TRIBUNA reports.

During a press conference, MAN MPs Gaik Vartanean and Angela Cutasevici said the bill introduces Article 190¹, titled “Theft of property through electronic communications,” and establishes criminal liability, including for individuals who organize and run “call-center” networks.

According to data presented by the lawmakers, losses reported by victims reached approximately 272 million lei in 2025, while during the first five months of 2026, the number of cases increased by 21.7% compared with the same period last year.

“The scenario has become familiar to many families. People receive calls from individuals claiming to be employees of banks or public institutions, personal and banking information is requested, and they are then persuaded to transfer money. The scale of the phenomenon requires a clear legislative response,” said MAN MP Gaik Vartanean.

For the basic form of the offense, the bill provides for a fine or imprisonment of one to five years. If the offenses are committed by an organized criminal group or criminal organization, penalties could range from eight to 15 years in prison, depending on the severity of the damage caused.

The initiative also proposes amendments to Article 284 of the Criminal Code. The creation or leadership of a criminal organization or organized criminal group for the purpose of committing such fraud would be punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison, while participation in such structures would carry a sentence of seven to 15 years.

“To stop these schemes, it is not enough to identify only the person making the call. Those who organize the activity, coordinate participants and obtain the money taken from victims must also be held accountable,” said MAN MP Angela Cutasevici.

The bill has been registered in Parliament and also provides, under certain conditions, for the possibility of exemption from criminal liability for a participant who voluntarily informs the authorities and contributes to dismantling the criminal group.