Romanian crime network allegedly run by Bucharest gangsters operates in the UK

Exclusive statements from judicial sources allege that a Romanian mafia has taken root in the United Kingdom, headed by Puiu Zăvoianu and Florin Avram, also known as Kani Spoitoru. The gang reportedly intimidates Romanian business owners, demanding substantial sums while using violence to keep other Romanian criminals, particularly smugglers, under its control. Police investigations have identified multiple armed raids in Manchester that were never reported to prosecutors, as the pilfered items were undocumented.

Victims describe being surrounded by groups of at least twenty armed men, forcing them to surrender goods without resistance. Kani Spoitoru first entered public attention after assaulting singer Tzancă Uraganu at a 2019 party, leading to his arrest and pre-trial detention. The spread of such organised crime raises concerns for the safety of the Romanian diaspora in Britain.