Former chief of cabinet for Romanian Tax Administration head goes missing amid corruption case

The news about a high level public employee, Codrut Marta, the former chief of cabinet for the head of the Tax Administration (ANAF) having disappeared recently surfaced stirring comments on potential causes of his disappearance. Marta's name is linked to a fraud case of EUR 20 million and to alleged corruption within the ANAF. Media reports quoting judicial sources mentioned a potential kidnapping, but also took into account the possibility that Marta left the country, making it look like he was abducted. Another possible cause for Marta's disappearance is his refusal to return some of the money laundered through his media businesses, according to judicial sources. He left home on May 21 to meet a friend but never returned. His wife alerted the Police on May 25, saying her husband used to be away from home quite often, but never so many days. According to media reports, he left both his phones home. Sorin Blejnar, the former head of ANAF and Codrut Marta's former boss and real estate and media investor Elan Schwartzenber, a friend of Marta's, were questioned earlier this week by prosecutors about Marta's disappearance. Marta and his wife were supposed to travel to Monaco last week. Based on their wealth statements, the family has more than EUR 1 million in bank accounts, paintings, watches and revennues from several companies in the media sector. Marta was the chief of cabinet for Sorin Blejnar until May 2010, and continued to work in ANAF until August 2010. He went on to do business and media in advertising after leaving ANAF. Media reports suggest Marta and Blejnar have known each other for the last 20 years. Media commentators also say that Marta allegedly sold jobs in the fiscal and customs system and suggest he was an important part of the 'money-making machine'. editor@romania-insider.com