Intelligence Service Warns of Disinformation Campaign Following Bucharest Apartment Explosion

Romanian Intelligence Warns of Coordinated Disinformation Campaign Following Fatal Explosion

The Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) issued an alert Monday warning of a coordinated disinformation campaign spreading false narratives about the deadly explosion at an apartment building in Bucharest’s Rahova district that claimed three lives and left 15 others injured.

According to the intelligence agency, social media platforms have been flooded with conspiracy theories targeting Romanian state institutions and personnel in the days following the tragedy. Though specific examples weren’t detailed in their statement, the SRI indicated that preliminary analysis of these messages reveals patterns consistent with an organized disinformation operation.

“The characteristics and spread patterns of these false narratives bear all the hallmarks of a coordinated disinformation campaign,” the intelligence service stated in their official communication.

In response to the proliferation of misinformation, SRI urged Romanian citizens to exercise caution when consuming online content about the incident. The agency specifically advised against sharing unverified information from anonymous or questionable sources, encouraging the public to rely exclusively on official information channels.

The explosion, which devastated portions of a residential building last week, has become a focal point for conspiracy theorists who quickly moved to exploit the tragedy. According to reporting by Romanian news outlet Digi24, various unfounded narratives emerged almost immediately after the incident, transforming what investigators believe might have been a gas accumulation into elaborate fictional scenarios.

Among the false narratives circulating were claims involving “C-4 bombs,” allegations of a “double assassination,” and fabricated stories about “the killing of a general’s son from the Defense Council,” who supposedly opposed canceling presidential elections. None of these claims have any factual basis, according to authorities.

Financial conspiracy theories have also gained traction, with some social media posts falsely claiming that the Bucharest mayor had opened donation accounts for victims but diverted the funds “into his own pocket.” Other baseless allegations connected these supposed funds to aid for Ukrainian refugees or financial support for the Republic of Moldova. Digi24 reports that no government institution has confirmed any instances of such fraud.

The rapid spread of these false narratives highlights growing concerns about Romania’s vulnerability to disinformation campaigns. The intelligence service specifically called for modernizing the country’s legal framework, including criminal legislation, to better combat coordinated disinformation efforts designed to erode public trust in state institutions and promote extremist or radical narratives.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing concern across Europe about foreign-backed disinformation operations targeting democratic institutions. Intelligence agencies across the continent have repeatedly warned about the destabilizing effect of such campaigns, particularly during crises when public anxiety is already elevated.

Security experts note that tragedies like the Rahova explosion create fertile ground for disinformation, as emotional reactions can override critical thinking, making people more susceptible to believing and sharing sensational claims without verification.

Romanian authorities continue to investigate the actual cause of the explosion, with preliminary findings suggesting a possible gas accumulation. However, officials have emphasized that a thorough investigation is necessary before drawing definitive conclusions.

The SRI’s warning underscores the increasingly complex security landscape facing Romania, where physical threats and information warfare require equally vigilant responses. As disinformation tactics become more sophisticated, the agency’s call for updated legislation reflects growing recognition that national security now extends beyond traditional domains into the information space.