Jean-Claude Van Damme Accused of Having Sexual Relations with Trafficked Romanian Women

Criminal charges have reportedly been filed against the actor Jean-Claude Van Damme in Romania.

A criminal complaint was filed with the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) against the Streetfighter star, 64, alleging that he knowingly engaged in sexual relations with women trafficked by a criminal group led by Morel Bolea, according to CNN affiliate Antena 3.

The incident allegedly took place in Cannes, where the actor is accused of having received five Romanian women as a “gift” with prior knowledge that they came from a group of traffickers, according to the criminal complaint obtained by the outlet. 

Attorney Adrian Cuculis, who represents one of the victims, told the outlet 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.”

Van Damme’s representatives and DIICOT did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

One of the women who witnessed the incident — which reportedly occurred at an event organized by Van Damme in Cannes — shared what she saw with prosecutors, according to Antenna 3 CNN. This prompted the DIICOT to open a criminal investigation into the incident.

“Several Romanians who are currently being investigated for forming a criminal group and pimping, allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women — photo models in Romania — for him to have sexual relations with. The person who received those benefits knew their condition,” attorney Adrian Cuculis told the outlet in a translated post.

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Cuculis noted to Antena 3 that the incident is part of a larger investigation into human trafficking and the trafficking of minors that began in 2020 by the Prosecutor’s Office in Romania.

As for what happens next, the High Court of Cassation in France — where Cannes is located — must authorize criminal proceedings and the suspects identified in the case will be summoned to Romania to give statements, Antena 3 reported.

Van Damme made his breakout with 1988’s Bloodsport and went on to star in several action films including Kickboxer, Double Impact and The Expendables 2. He most recently appeared as a voice actor in 2022’s Minions: Rise of Gru and 2025’s The Gardener.