Romanian Transport Minister may face 15 years in prison on corruption charges

The Romanian Transport Minister, Relu F., may be sent to prison for 15 years if he is charged for corruption after selling old electrical equipment to a foreign firm and passing it off as new, Romanian media reported July 5.

“[Relu] F., who is currently being tried, with a court decision expected on July 12, could face a 15-year jail sentence should the court agree with the prosecutors’ request,” news wire service, Romania Insider, reported.

Prosecutors in the case have demanded that the minister, his brother, and two further individuals, pay up to EUR 1.7 mln in compensation. It is estimated that the contracts for the electrical equipment sold by Relu F.’s company amount to the aforementioned sum.

It is also alleged that the managers of the Electricity Maintenance Subsidiary Moldova, which acquired the old equipment favoured the Transport Minister’s companies in public tenders.

The Romanian court has rejected Relu F.’s defence claims contesting his proof as invalid.