A man known as “Justițiarul de Berceni” was detained by police in Ploiești after intervening in a case involving a 16-year-old girl who said she was raped. Police also detained a second suspect, a 25-year-old man, for alleged acts that included deprivation of liberty and repeated violence, in separate but connected investigations. According to the Prahova County Police Inspectorate (IJP), the alleged plan was made on 31 August 2026 around midnight in Ploiești. Investigators say the two men set out to intercept the 25-year-old man in the context of a meeting arranged under the pretext of his interaction with the 16-year-old. Police claim the suspects blocked the man’s escape routes with their cars. They then allegedly forced him out of his vehicle, restricted his freedom of movement, and beat him repeatedly with fists and feet. This detention came alongside a rape investigation. This separate case began after police were notified on 31 August by a man who said another man had immobilized him after the alleged rape of a minor. In that investigation, police say the 25-year-old met the 16-year-old through social media and they agreed to meet in Blejoi on 23 August 2026, at the suspected man’s workplace. Police allege the 25-year-old had sexual intercourse with the minor against her will. The girl was assessed on site with representatives from the child protection service, and was interviewed with her mother and a court-appointed lawyer present. For the violence and deprivation of liberty file, police carried out home searches and seized evidence including storage media devices and an electroshock device. Officers also found an airsoft weapon and its ammunition, which were taken for checks on whether it was legally held. Both men were taken to police for questioning under warrant. Based on the evidence gathered so far, the court ordered 24-hour detention. The case remains under investigation, with both files set to go to the competent prosecutor’s office for further legal steps.