Jean-Claude Van Damme accused in human trafficking case; accepted ‘five Romanian women as a gift’ during Cannes event |

Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme is facing serious allegations in Romania.
Reports on Thursday claim that a criminal complaint has been filed against the actor for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with trafficked women. According to Romanian news outlet Antena 3 CNN, the complaint was lodged with the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT).
Van Damme has been accused of knowingly accepting five Romanian women as a “gift” from an alleged trafficking ring led by Morel Bolea. Attorney Adrian Cuculis, who represents one of the alleged victims, stated that the women were in a “state of vulnerability, with the suspicion that they were exploited within the meaning of Article 182 of the Criminal Code.”
The incident is said to have occurred at a Cannes event that he organised. A witness reportedly provided the testimony to prosecutors, prompting DIICOT to launch a criminal investigation.
Cuculis further claimed that the case is part of a broader probe into human trafficking and the exploitation of minors, which has been under investigation by Romanian authorities since 2020.
The actor’s representatives have yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
News of his involvement with a sex trafficking ring comes months after musician Sean Diddy Combs made headlines over his arrest on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Since his arrest, several other victims came forward to state instances of sexual assault by the singer. Some of these lawsuits have also been dropped over lack of evidence and other victims choosing to stay anonymous. Diddy is set to go to trial in May 2025.