Searches at Bucharest Metropolitan Library in expensive rare books purchase case

The police conducted on Tuesday morning, September 16, a total of 18 searches at the Metropolitan Library, an institution subordinated to the Bucharest City Hall, and at 17 other locations in the capital and in Ilfov, Giurgiu and Teleorman counties, reports local Mediafax. According to investigators, the Metropolitan Library allegedly purchased so-called “rare books” from a foundation that belongs to the library’s manager at that time, for overrated prices. The damage in this case is estimated at some RON 5 million (over EUR 1.1 million). The former management of the library is being investigated in this case. The police raided 18 addresses targeting 16 people who are suspected of abuse of office, conflict of interest and false statements. Over 130 police officers specialized in fraud investigations took part in the searches. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com