Romanian anticorruption prosecutors indict PM Victor Ponta, seize some of his assets

Romania’s anticorruption directorate (DNA) decided on Monday to indict Prime Minister Victor Ponta for forgery, accessory to tax evasion and money laundering. They also decided to seize some of Ponta’s assets.

Ponta went to the DNA headquarters on Monday morning to talk to the prosecutors. He was called for questioning before, but couldn’t make it as he was on medical leave for almost one month for a knee surgery in Turkey.

The DNA prosecutors have been investigating PM Victor Ponta since early-June in a case related to his activity as a lawyer for his friend Dan Sova’s law firm. Ponta was on Sova’s payroll from October 2007 until December 2008, during which period Sova and Asociatii was working as a legal consultant for state-owned thermal energy producers Turceni and Rovinari.

Ponta allegedly received over EUR 50,000 without doing any activity in this period, according to the prosecutors. He also received other benefits, such as the right to use one of the law firm’s cars, which he then received for free.

Dan Sova, a former minister in Victor Ponta’s cabinet, has been under investigation for his firm’s contracts with the energy producers Turceni and Rovinari for more than a year. He managed to dodge arrest, as the Senate rejected earlier this year DNA’s request to waive his immunity.

Victor Ponta was officially called for questioning by the DNA in early June. The prosecutors also wanted to indict him for conflict of interests, for giving Sova the ministerial seat, but the Parliament didn’t approve DNA’s request.

Ponta announced on Sunday that he would give up his position as president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) until he will be cleared of all charges. He didn't say anything about leaving the Government.

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