Bihor businessman accused of human trafficking
Viorel Pașca, known as a defender of the vulnerable, is being investigated by DIICOT for human trafficking. Over 400 deaths have occurred in his unauthorised care homes.
Bihor businessman accused of human trafficking
DIICOT investigators descended on multiple locations in Bihor County on Tuesday in a criminal case involving Viorel Pașca, a local entrepreneur who has been promoted for years as a protector of those in need. Prosecutors suspect him of human trafficking and claim he profited materially from the sick and disabled, claiming to provide them with care.
According to the case file, hundreds of people were housed in unsuitable conditions in unauthorised centres run by the businessman. Information from the investigation shows that Pașca allegedly collected substantial sums of money from those he claimed to assist. The situation is even more serious: over the course of three years, more than 400 people died in these makeshift dwellings.
The case came to public attention two years ago, when three government ministers were informed that institutions run by Pașca were unlicensed. Despite being perceived as a saviour of the poor, even state hospitals sent patients to the care homes administered by him. Local media frequently described him under the label of "good Samaritan".
The Ministry of Labour, one of the authorities previously warned, communicated that it has established an emergency structure to support people in unauthorised centres. Their transfer to licensed facilities has already begun.
Former Labour Minister Dragoș Pîslaru clarified that as far back as 2016 he had tried to accelerate the licensing of Pașca's centres. Such a process would have involved the administrator assuming legal responsibilities and opening them for inspections. The businessman refused to legalise his activity, citing the fact that he was acting in a personal capacity.
Viorel Pașca denies all accusations against him.
Source: Recorder
Source: Google News RO — Crime (ro)