Romania: Former Interior Minister Charged with Bribery

Published: 22 January 2015

Buzau County

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Former minister of internal affairs and administrative reform of Romania, Cristian David, was charged with bribery and detained for 24 hours by the Romanian anti-corruption office on Jan. 21.

The Romanian National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) accused David of accepting a bribe of € 500,000  (US$ 581,000), to use his influence as a prefect coordinator to transfer 15 hectares of state-owned land in Buzau County, southeastern Romania, to a private owner.

David allegedly created fake real estate records to cover up the bribery. The agency cites investigative support from the Romanian Intelligence Service.

The DNA was notified in 2014 that David allegedly sought the € 500,000 from an informant in 2007, receiving it on Feb. 1, 2008. David served as minister from April 5, 2007 to Dec. 22, 2008.

On Nov. 10, Laura Kovesi, DNA chief prosecutor, asked the general prosecutor’s office to investigate David for possible bribery and money laundering.

David’s case will be heard before the High Court of Cassation and Justice, with the potential of pre-trial detention of 30 days. The DNA public affairs office did not indicate when the case would be heard.