(Luxembourg, 3 January 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest (Romania) has referred a criminal case to the Bucharest Tribunal Court, where five individuals, including the former mayor of Beceni (Buzău County), and one company were indicted for fraud and corruption.
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 one company, 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 for the two projects. He is also accused of abuse of office and of taking a bribe from a company worth approximately €55 000 (RON 276 669). The other defendants are accused of giving bribes and of fraud involving EU funds.
Four of the defendants remain under judicial control. If found guilty, the defendants face between two and ten years in prison. The company may face a fine.
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.