Romania: EPPO carries out searches in probe into fraud and corruption involving former mayor

(Luxembourg, 30 May 2024) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest (Romania) carried out nine searches last week in Buzău County, including in the premises of the municipal authority of Beceni, in an investigation into possible fraud and corruption involving a former mayor.

At issue are two projects financed by the EU to develop multi-purpose sports fields and to refurbish a building as a multifunctional centre. The implementation of these projects was assigned to private contractors. 

According to the investigation, between 2019 and 2021, the mayor in office at that time violated several legal provisions regarding the assignment, development and conclusion of the works. It is understood that, in collusion with other individuals and companies, the former mayor presented to the Contracting Authority inaccurate documents and statements in the context  of these projects, leading him to illegally obtain approximately €200 000. He is also suspected of taking a bribe from a company worth approximately €55 000 (RON 276 669).

Four individuals under investigation were brought to the EPPO’s office in Bucharest to be informed of their status as suspects, and have been placed under judicial control for 60 days.

The investigation and searches counted on the support of: the EPPO Support Structure in Romania; Romania’s Anti-Corruption General Directorate (Direcția Generală Anticorupție); and the Special Intervention Brigade of the Romanian Gendarmerie (Brigada Specială de Intervenţie a Jandarmeriei Române).

All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent Romanian courts of law.

The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.