DNA sends ex-PSD treasurer Mircea Draghici to trial

The former treasurer of the Social Democrat Party, Mircea Draghici, has been sent to trial by the anti-corruption prosecutors in Thursday for two offenses of embezzlement and for using party state subsidies for other benefits.

Draghici is accused of taking the money originating from the party subsidies by renting a house, worth EUR 500,000.

“During February 15, 2018 and June 11, 2018, defendant Mircea Draghici, having the duty to manage and administrate the goods and funds of the political party, has used EUR 380,000 originating from the subsidy granted to that party by the Permanent Electoral Authority, to buy a house in Pipera district, Voluntari, Ilfov county (in a residential area near Bucharest). With this money, the defendant has partially covered over two thirds of the value of that house. The payment from the subsidy has been hidden by concluding a renting contract that showed the money would have been paid by the party as rent, and for the benefit of the treasurer,” reads a press release by the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA).

Moreover, DNA prosecutors said that Draghici had tried to intimidate he employees of the Permanent Electoral Authority who conducted checks in his case, warning them that he was about to be appointed head of this institution, in the attempt to hide his deeds.

In another case, DNA extended prosecution against Draghici who is accused of taking out of the party’s patrimony an luxury automobile (Mercedes Benz model GLE 350 Coupe) valued at RON 324,800, without cashing the money when making the deal.