Anti-corruption prosecutors ask for Sebastian Ghita’s arrest

Businessman, deputy Sebastian Ghita was subpoenaed to the National Anti-corruption Directorate’s HQs in Ploiesti on Wednesday to be heard in a new corruption file. Anti-corruption prosecutors are asking for his detention and arrest. The National Anti-corruption Directorate asked for the Chamber of Deputies’ go ahead to detain and arrest Ghita; the deputy is charged with bribery, blackmail and other crimes.

“There is an ongoing investigation. I don’t have elements, an opinion about it. I am a suspect in this case,” Ghita said while leaving the anti-corruption body’s office.

The file eyes an old corruption case happened several years ago and re-opened last month. The case was closed down in 2014 while it was investigated by prosecutor Lucian Papici.

Prosecutors say that the corruption deeds target 13 important persons from Prahova county, politicians but also high-ranking police officials and several local institutions’ heads.

Investigators claim that the people involved would have attempted to stop procedures in some corruption files, with a prejudice mounting to EUR 34 M.

MP Sebastian Ghita is suspected of having used confidential information, of buying information, while being also suspected of blackmail and driving without a driving license.

Local magistrates targeted

The deputy prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office upon Ploiesti Court of Appeal, Liviu Tudose was also heard. Tudose was brought by warrant at DNA Ploiesti, with judicial sources telling Agerpres that anti-corruption prosecutors had the Superior Council of Magistracy’s go ahead to take him on remand or to arrest him. Tudose is charged with bribe taking and disclosure of confidential information.

Former deputy prosecutor at the Prosecutor’s Office upon Ploiesti Court of Appeal, Aurelian Mihaila will also brought by warrant for hearings, after CSM has given its approval for his arrest. Prosecutor Mihaila is charged with abusive investigation and disclosure of confidential information.