It is with profound sorrow that the International Association of Penal Law announces the untimely passing of Professor Constantin Duvac (2 June 1973 – 4 May 2026), Deputy Secretary General of the Association and President of its Romanian National Group, who died in Bucharest at the age of fifty-two.

Professor Duvac was a leading figure in Romanian criminal law scholarship and a deeply committed member of our international community. Elected Deputy Secretary General in 2024, he served on both the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, where his insight, experience, and dedication to the values of the Association made him an invaluable colleague. He was the first Romanian to hold such a senior office since Vespasian V. Pella.

A member of the Association since 2000, he served the Romanian National Group in various roles, including Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, and, from 2015, President. Under his leadership, the Group became one of the most active within the Association, hosting major international events in Bucharest, including the 2016 World Conference on environmental criminal law and the 2023 colloquium on artificial intelligence and criminal justice. His efforts were instrumental in securing Bucharest as the host city for the Association’s 2029 World Congress.

Professor Duvac earned his doctorate in 2008 and later completed postdoctoral studies and habilitation, becoming a doctoral supervisor in criminal law. He taught for over two decades at the Romanian-American University of Bucharest, where he served as Vice-Dean and later Dean, and from 2024 held a chair at the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies.

He authored or co-authored around thirty books and over one hundred studies across criminal law and related fields. His work received multiple distinctions, including four “Vintilă Dongoroz” Prizes and the “Ion Tanoviceanu” Prize. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of leading Romanian criminal law journals.
Beyond academia, he held prominent roles in the Romanian legal community and previously served in senior positions within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He later practised law in financial and economic criminal matters.

Professor Duvac will be remembered for his scholarship, leadership, and generosity, as well as his warmth and collegiality. He is survived by his two daughters.

The Association extends its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him.