Romanian anti-corruption prosecutors raid homes and offices in case targeting Consumer Protection Agency head

Update: Consumer Protection Agency chief Cristian Popescu Piedone has been placed under judicial control for 60 days, being officially accused of warning a hotel in Sinaia in advance of an upcoming inspection. After the site visit, which took place in early March, the accommodation unit was not sanctioned by ANPC representatives, DNA said. Moreover, the hotel staff were congratulated by Piedone "for the exemplary manner in which they carried out their activity."

While under judicial control, Cristian Popescu Piedone must comply with a series of obligations. For example, he must appear whenever summoned by the criminal investigation authority, refrain from directly or indirectly communicating with the persons mentioned in the judicial control order, not leave the territory of Romania without prior approval, and not carry out the activity during which the alleged offense was committed, namely that of president of the National Authority for Consumer Protection.

Initial story: The National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) conducted a series of raids onTuesday, July 22, as part of a criminal investigation into alleged corruption involving Cristian Popescu Piedone, the head of the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC). Prosecutors suspect Piedone of tipping off a business in advance of an inspection, according to Biziday.ro.

The investigation included searches in five locations across Bucharest, Ilfov, Prahova, and Constanța counties.

According to DNA, one of the searched sites is a public institution, while the others are private homes or commercial offices. Media reports said that among the locations is Piedone’s residence in Bragadiru, as well as a hotel complex in Mamaia where he had been staying.

Sources cited by G4media.ro claimed that Piedone alerted a business operator in Sinaia - Hotel International, owned by former Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) chief and liberal politician Dan Radu Rușanu - about an upcoming control and advised them on how to pass the inspection.

Piedone confirmed he was present during the search of his home but denied any wrongdoing. Speaking to reporters outside his residence, he admitted to being a longtime friend of the hotel owner but rejected the idea that he had interfered in the inspection process.