Around 30 searches conducted by the NAC and APO across the country in a case involving abuse of office and fraudulent obtaining of foreign funds. Estimated damage exceeds 14.5 million lei

Officers from the National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC), together with prosecutors from the Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office (APO), are conducting approximately 30 searches today in a case involving abuse of office and the fraudulent obtaining of means from foreign funds. The actions target several economic operators and public officials.

According to the case materials, starting in 2020, the representative of a company specializing in the design of water supply and sewerage systems allegedly created a corruption scheme through which certain companies were favored in public tenders funded by foreign sources.

Specifically, in the technical documentation and tender specifications for public procurement, the technical requirements were formulated to correspond exclusively to the products of a specific supplier. These actions were allegedly coordinated in advance so that the contracts financed from external funds were won by pre-established companies. As a result, the contracting authorities allegedly procured materials and equipment at prices higher than those that could have been obtained in real competition.

The national budget and foreign funds intended for infrastructure projects in the water supply and sewerage sector were allegedly harmed on a particularly large scale. Preliminary damages are estimated at 14,544,504.11 lei.

As part of the criminal investigation, approximately 30 searches are being conducted in several localities across the country to establish all circumstances of the case and identify all involved individuals. Three persons have been detained for 72 hours and placed in the NAC detention centre, while seven others have been formally recognized as suspects and are under investigation while remaining at liberty. Investigations are ongoing.

We remind that every person shall be presumed innocent until a final and irrevocable court decision is rendered.