New bank fraud scandal in Romania with EUR 85 mln alleged damages

An alleged EUR 85 million bank fraud was uncovered by the Romanian Police in Bucharest and three other counties, where home and bank searches are being carried out today (December 13 ). Seven bank directors allegedly illegally granted loans to 35 companies. In total, 58 people are involved in the criminal activities, and are suspected of forgery and money laundering. Around 90 people will be brought in for questioning, including well-known Romanian businessman and real estate investor Marius Locic, according to the Romanian media. Six bank workers, in addition to the seven branch managers, helped the crime ring. Four public notaries are also being questioned in the same case for having signed off the mortgage guarantee documents. A similar investigation also started a month ago, in a fraud of some EUR 22 million. The name of the banks involved in this new case have not yet been made public. editor@romania-insider.com