Kovesi: If justice laws are adopted in the current form, DNA will investigate small crimes. Bribes in health system have reached 20pc of the contract

The possible adoption of the laws of justice in the form proposed by Minister Tudorel Toader would make the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) activity almost impossible, says the DNA chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi, adding that the prosecutors’ independence is a key element in the anti-corruption fight, digi24.ro informs, quoting Rezistenta TV.

“If this package is adopted in the form I have seen, the DNA will investigate small crimes. I doubt it would be able to investigate other deeds. Once there is political control over DNA activity, what DNA has done in the past year will not happen anymore, I think the answer is very clear,” said the DNA Chief Prosecutor.

Referring to another topic, she said that bribes in health are about 20% of the contract value, adding that, more often than not, corruption has indirect effects that can seriously affect citizens.

“We have investigated a case in which a company offered bribe to get an authorization to put a drug in circulation. In such situations, the bribe is required in cash before the contract is concluded and a certain percentage of the contract value is asked for. In the health sector, the bribe value is about 20%, in IT about 10%, in infrastructure – between 2% and 5%. The company, in order to get the money and give it as bribe to win the contract, often commits other offenses: tax evasion and money laundering. It gives a bribe, wins the contract, and then it has to regain the money. Consequently, the price of medicines is rising, the quality of services is falling. This is an indirect effect of corruption!” Laura Codruta Kovesi said.