Action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme faces serious sex trafficking accusations in Romania, with authorities claiming he knowingly engaged with victims of human trafficking in a case that could permanently damage his Hollywood legacy.
Quick Takes
- A criminal complaint was filed against Van Damme with Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT)
- Allegations claim Van Damme received five Romanian women as a “gift” while aware they were trafficking victims
- The alleged incident occurred in Cannes, France, complicating jurisdiction between Romanian and French authorities
- The case is part of a broader human trafficking investigation that began in 2020
- Van Damme has not yet publicly responded to the accusations
Serious Allegations Surface Against Action Star
Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Belgian martial artist and actor known for his high-flying kicks in action films, now faces accusations that could end his decades-long career. Romanian authorities are investigating claims that Van Damme knowingly engaged in sexual relations with women who were victims of human trafficking. The criminal complaint, filed with Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), alleges Van Damme was aware of the women’s status as trafficking victims when he received them as “gifts” from suspected traffickers.
Jean-Claude Van Damme accused of sex with trafficked women from Romania https://t.co/7Bpo8ItOTO
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) April 2, 2025
The alleged incident reportedly took place in Cannes, France, involving a trafficking group led by an individual identified as Morel Bolea. This international component adds complexity to the case, as Romanian authorities must coordinate with French officials. According to reports, five Romanian women were allegedly presented to Van Damme as “gifts” during his time in Cannes, with the criminal complaint suggesting the actor was fully aware of their trafficking victim status.
Legal Complications and Victim Testimony
The investigation faces jurisdictional hurdles as the alleged crimes occurred in France while the victims are Romanian citizens. Attorney Adrian Cuculis, representing one of the reported victims, has stated that the women were vulnerable and suspected of being exploited under Romanian law. This case has triggered formal criminal investigations by DIICOT after multiple witnesses came forward with testimony against both the suspected trafficking ring and Van Damme’s alleged involvement.
“Jean-Claude Van Damme has been accused of engaging in sexual relations with women trafficked by a criminal group in Romania,” according to reports from multiple media outlets.
For any charges to proceed, Romania’s High Court of Cassation must authorize criminal proceedings because the alleged events occurred outside Romanian borders. If approved, suspects, including potentially Van Damme, would be summoned to Romania to provide statements to investigators. The case is part of a broader human trafficking investigation that Romanian authorities have been pursuing since 2020, suggesting connections to larger criminal networks operating across Eastern Europe.
From Hollywood Icon to Criminal Suspect
Van Damme rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with martial arts action films like “Bloodsport,” “Kickboxer,” and “Universal Soldier,” becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars. In recent years, he has maintained his career with roles in “The Expendables” franchise and voice work in animated films like “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” The 63-year-old Belgian star has not yet issued any public statement addressing these serious allegations.
Romania has become a focal point for high-profile trafficking cases in recent years. The country made international headlines with cases involving other public figures, including Andrew and Tristan Tate, who faced similar accusations of sex trafficking. These cases have highlighted Romania’s ongoing struggles with human trafficking networks despite efforts to combat such crimes since joining the European Union.
As the investigation continues, no formal charges have been filed against Van Damme. The legal process may be lengthy due to the international nature of the case and the coordination required between Romanian and French authorities. The outcome could permanently alter the legacy of one of action cinema’s most recognized stars while potentially exposing deeper networks of trafficking operations throughout Eastern Europe.
