AI-generated bomb threat disrupts Constanța port operations
AI-generated voice synthesis was used to make bomb threat calls to Romania's Naval Authority on 29 July 2026, claiming explosives were planted in Constanța port. The threats, made from phone numbers in Ukraine and Poland, prompted evacuation of port facilities and suspension of commercial operations during the peak summer season.
What happened
Two bomb threat calls were made to the Romanian Naval Authority from phone numbers in Ukraine and Poland on 29 July 2026. The threatening messages, delivered in Romanian in a synthesized voice, stated that multiple bombs were planted in the port building and passenger terminal and would explode without time to find them.
The messages were generated using artificial intelligence technology. All commercial operations in Constanța port were suspended, buildings in the perimeter were evacuated, and specialized police, fire, and explosive ordnance disposal teams were deployed to conduct searches.
Reported impact
Port operations were suspended during the search, affecting commercial activities during the peak summer season. Employees from strategic institutions in the area, including the Maritime Port Administration and naval facilities, were evacuated.
Index analysis
The use of AI-generated voice synthesis to create a convincing threat message demonstrates the misuse of voice generation technology to conduct hoaxes that disrupt critical infrastructure.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.