Controversial businessman held by anti-corruption prosecutors

He was held for 24 hours for complicity in public office abuse against public interests, with highly aggravating consequences. Judicial sources said that the businessman is being investigated in connection with a deal involving a piece of land on which the largest real estate project in Romania, and one of the largest in the region, is being built.

The Baneasa project, including a retail area, office buildings, and a residential complex, is located in northern Bucharest, on land that belonged to the University of Agronomy. According to judicial sources, quoted by NewsIn agency, DNA is investigating former University of Agronomy Rector, Ioan Alecu, for selling the land to Popoviciu.

The head of the General Intelligence and Internal Protection Department (DGIPI) within the Ministry of Administration and Interior, Cornel Serban, and the head of that Ministry’s Operations Division, Petru Pitcovici, were also held for questioning. The two previously worked on the file involving the Agronomy land deal, together with a DNA legal officer. According to the sources, Popoviciu allegedly tried to influence the investigators in order to ensure the file’s closure. Serban and Pitcovici also supposedly attempted to pressure the DNA officer to rule against the Popoviciu indictment. However, the officer turned himself in, which led to the detention of persons involved.  Cornel Serban also resigned from office.

Interior Minister Dan Nica is to be summoned to Parliament to provide explanations on this issue.

Popoviciu is one of the wealthiest, but most secretive businesspeople in Romania. In addition to the Baneasa project, he also controls several companies and some of the most famous international franchises in Romania, including IKEA and Pizza Hut.