Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme faces serious sex trafficking allegations in Romania as investigators claim he knowingly accepted trafficked women as a “gift” during a visit to Cannes, France.
Quick Takes
- A criminal complaint has been filed against Van Damme with Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT).
- Allegations claim Van Damme knowingly received five Romanian women as a “gift” while aware they were trafficking victims.
- The incident reportedly occurred in Cannes, involving a group led by Morel Bolea, requiring French authorities’ authorization for any legal action.
- Attorney Adrian Cuculis, representing one of the victims, stated the women were vulnerable and suspected of being exploited under Romanian law.
- The case is part of a broader human trafficking investigation that began in 2020, with witnesses now coming forward.
Criminal Allegations Surface Against Action Star
Jean-Claude Van Damme, the martial arts film icon known for blockbusters like “Bloodsport” and “Kickboxer,” is now embroiled in a serious criminal investigation. Romanian authorities have accused the 63-year-old Belgian actor of knowingly engaging 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 that Van Damme accepted five Romanian women as a “gift” while fully aware they were trafficking victims during a visit to Cannes, France.
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 serious allegations represent a stunning fall from grace for the action star who once dominated Hollywood box offices in the 1990s. According to Romanian officials, the case is part of a broader human trafficking investigation that began in 2020, focusing on a criminal network allegedly led by an individual named Morel Bolea. Witnesses have recently come forward with testimony that has prompted DIICOT to expand their investigation to include Van Damme, whose legal name is Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg.
International Jurisdictional Complications
Prosecuting Van Damme presents significant jurisdictional challenges for Romanian authorities. Since the alleged crimes took place in Cannes, France, any formal criminal proceedings would require authorization from the High Court of Cassation in France. This international complexity means that even if Romanian investigators proceed with the case, they would need cooperation from French judicial authorities to bring any charges against Van Damme or to compel him to appear for questioning in Romania.
“Jean-Claude Van Damme has been accused of engaging in sexual relations with women trafficked by a criminal group in Romania.” according to People Magazine.
Attorney Adrian Cuculis, who represents one of the alleged victims, has made serious accusations about the nature of the trafficking operation. According to Cuculis, the women involved were vulnerable and specifically targeted for exploitation under Romanian law. The complaint alleges that Van Damme was fully aware of their trafficked status when he accepted them as “gifts” from members of the trafficking ring. If proven true, these allegations could result in sex trafficking charges, which carry severe penalties under both Romanian and international law.
Pattern of Trafficking in Eastern Europe
This case highlights the ongoing problem of sex trafficking in Eastern Europe, a region that has struggled with organized criminal networks exploiting vulnerable women. Romania has been identified as both a source and transit country for human trafficking, with criminal organizations often targeting women from disadvantaged backgrounds. The investigation involving Van Damme comes amid increased scrutiny of trafficking operations in the region, including high-profile cases like that of Andrew and Tristan Tate, who also faced sex trafficking charges in Romania.
Van Damme has maintained complete silence regarding the accusations, with no public statements issued by him or his representatives. This is not unusual in the early stages of such investigations, as legal teams typically advise clients to refrain from public comments that could potentially be used against them in court. However, his silence has left fans and the public speculating about the validity of the serious allegations against the once-beloved action star.
Fallout for Van Damme’s Career
The timing of these allegations could not be worse for Van Damme’s career, which had seen something of a resurgence in recent years. After lending his voice to a character in the animated film “Minions: Rise of Gru” and appearing in “The Expendables 2” alongside other action stars, Van Damme was experiencing renewed interest in his work. These sex trafficking allegations, regardless of their eventual legal outcome, threaten to permanently damage his reputation and halt any professional momentum he had built. The entertainment industry has become increasingly intolerant of such accusations in the post-#MeToo era.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether formal charges will be filed against Van Damme. Romanian authorities continue gathering evidence and testimony, while the international aspect of the case adds layers of complexity to any potential prosecution. For now, the action star who once wowed audiences with his martial arts prowess and signature splits finds himself in a legal fight that could define his legacy more than any of his film performances.
