Ex-Interior minister Oprea faces two abuse of office charges in the motorcades’ file

The National Anti-corruption Directorate informed on Friday that former deputy premier and Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea is to be prosecuted for two abuse of office crimes in the motorcades’ file. The anti-corruption prosecutors called Oprea to find out the charges and his legal qualification.

After leaving the DNA’s office, Gabriel Oprea said he is innocent and that he would come for hearings whenever it is required.

“I have always done my job. I worked, I did take not a single day of leave. I think it’s unfair,” the ex-minister told journalists.

Asked if all the rides he took accompanied by the traffic police crews were motivated, Oprea stated he benefitted from protection 24 hours a day.

“I did not have a normal programme, I would not go to work at 8 a.m. and leave at 4 p.m., I was always at the Romanian state’s disposal. I did my job. I was a person having tens of subordinated institutions. I want that the truth be soon revealed (…),” Oprea said, adding that he cannot say more considering there is an ongoing investigation.

“When I was appointed Interior minister there has been a mechanism, an action plan since 2000, stipulating that a Police car is made available to Interior ministers for protection, while state ministers, including deputy premiers, were permanently accompanied by a motorcade,” Oprea further explained.