Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu under judicial control in corruption case
The anti-corruption prosecutor's office is investigating Bucharest's mayor for alleged benefits obtained from property developers in exchange for supposed administrative facilities.
Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu under judicial control in corruption case
Anti-corruption prosecutors have imposed judicial control measures against Bucharest's mayor, Ciprian Ciucu. He is being investigated for the suspected commission of the crime of bribery, with the alleged acts dating from when he led the administration of Sector 6, according to News.ro.
The investigators claim that in the autumn of last year, the politician allegedly benefited from an advertising campaign and electoral consulting offered by two investors in the construction sector. In return, the mayor was allegedly supposed to intervene favourably in bureaucratic proceedings related to a residential complex that the businessmen were preparing.
Facing journalists, Ciucu rejected the accusations and gave assurances that he would prove his innocence before the court. He also launched an attack on the system, characterising himself as a politician who emerged on the scene without the support of "the powerful" and suggesting that such figures are quickly eliminated from the public landscape.
The judicial control measure obliges the suspect not to leave the city without permission from the criminal investigation authorities and to present himself periodically at the DNA headquarters. This is a procedural sanction milder than preventive arrest, allowing the suspect to continue his activities, with certain restrictions.
The case is part of a series of investigations opened by prosecutors against local elected officials suspected of trafficking in influence or passive corruption in connection with building permits and real estate projects.
Source: News.ro