Bucharest mayor Ciprian Ciucu summoned to DNA as suspect in bribery case over Sector 6 permits
Ciprian Ciucu, mayor of Bucharest and first vice-president of the National Liberal Party, was summoned to the National Anticorruption Directorate on 18 June as a suspect in a bribery case dating from his time as mayor of Sector 6.
The investigation
Ciprian Ciucu, mayor of Bucharest and first vice-president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), was summoned to the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) on Thursday 18 June. Judicial sources cited by G4Media, Mediafax and other outlets describe him as a suspect in a bribery case linked to the issue of urbanism permits during his previous tenure as mayor of Sector 6. Upon arrival at the DNA headquarters, Ciucu told reporters
"I don't know anything."
Legal exposure
Lawyer Toni Neacșu, speaking on Antena 3, explained that bribe-taking carries a sentence of 3 to 10 years and that the DNA’s involvement can lead to increased limits.
Neacșu added that the file probably includes testimony from the alleged bribe-giver and could be based on a denunciation. The case is handled by Section II of the DNA, which specialises in economic crimes and corruption involving high-level officials.“This is practically the most serious corruption accusation that can be brought against a public official. It is bribe-taking, 3 to 10 years, and these limits can even be increased under the conditions of a DNA case.”
Political reverberations
The summons lands amid a heated internal crisis within PNL. President Nicusor Dan recently appointed Adrian Veștea as prime minister designate, bypassing the party leadership led by Ilie Bolojan. Ciucu, Bolojan’s closest political ally, has been one of the most vocal critics of the move. In a statement earlier this week he said
His potential indictment could redraw power dynamics inside the party ahead of an extraordinary congress scheduled for Sunday.“Nicușor Dan is putting pressure on PNL while protecting PSD. The president is playing at breaking, at breaking the PNL.”
The hearing
Different news outlets gave different times for the hearing, Mediafax reported it for 14:00, while Digi24 said 15:00. RFI noted that Ciucu arrived at DNA around 13:30 local time. Prosecutors are expected to decide by the end of the day whether to formally indict him. PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu said he had no information about the case.
