Financial Guard (Romania)

The Financial Guard (Romanian: Garda Financiară) was a specialized body within the Romanian government responsible for preventing, investigating, and combating tax evasion and customs fraud. It operated under the authority of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF). Its primary mission was to ensure the proper collection of taxes and duties, and to protect state revenue from illicit activities.

The Financial Guard's activities included:

• Inspections and Controls: Conducting routine and targeted inspections of businesses and individuals to verify compliance with tax and customs regulations.
• Investigations: Investigating suspected cases of tax evasion, customs fraud, and other financial crimes.
• Asset Seizure: Seizing assets acquired through illegal means related to tax and customs violations.
• Cooperation with Other Agencies: Collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, such as the police and prosecutors, to combat financial crime.
• Enforcement of Legislation: Ensuring that all applicable tax and customs laws and regulations were properly enforced.

The Financial Guard had regional directorates and local units throughout Romania, allowing it to operate effectively across the country. The organization was disbanded in 2013 and its responsibilities were largely transferred to other divisions within ANAF. The reforms aimed to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy in the fight against tax evasion. Its former agents were integrated into other departments of ANAF.