Romania detained six people on charges of trying to overthrow the state with Russia’s help, prosecutors said on Thursday, and a 101-year-old former army major general said his home had been raided as part of the investigation.

Romanian police say six people have been detained for allegedly organizing a criminal group that colluded with Russia to plot a coup against the government.

Romanian prosecutors said on Thursday they had detained six people on charges of trying to overthrow the state with the help of Russia, marking a dramatic escalation of tensions between Bucharest and Moscow.

In Romania, law enforcement authorities detained six individuals suspected of working for Russia and attempting to "overthrow the state order," the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism in Romania reports.

Romanian prosecutors said Thursday that they arrested and charged six people with treason, accusing them of colluding with Russia to "undermine" the country. The case has already led to the expulsion of two Russian diplomats — Russia's military attache and his deputy — who were declared persona non gratae on Wednesday.

Romanian prosecutors detained six people suspected of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and withdraw the Black Sea nation from NATO with Russia’s help.

The case involving allegations of Russian backing for a plot to overthrow the government comes at a critical time for Romania. The Constitutional Court has annulled the results of presidential elections in October due to irregularities, including apparent meddling by Russia. New elections are scheduled for May.

The Romanian authorities have declared the military, air, and naval attaché of the Russian Federation in Bucharest, as well as his deputy, persona non grata on Romanian territory, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) announced on March 5.