4 million RON confiscated from Dan Ioan Popescu

Former Social Democratic Party minister Dan Ioan Popescu stated for Mediafax that the decision of the High Court of Cassation and Justice regarding the seizure of more than 4 million RON of his fortune was ludicrous, indicating that he would appeal against the decision and would continue the process ‘in the country and abroad’.

‘It is an ludicrous decision after seven years of technical and accounting expertise demonstrated not only justify the expenses incurred by income, but that I have a surplus of income starting from zero in 2000, as if I joined the position of minister as a newborn.’

‘I find it still more abhorrent this decision as any prosecutor has not asked something like this in the documents concerned’, Dan Ioan Popescu said.

The former minister said he would appeal against the decision and would continue the process.

‘Naturally I will continue the process in the country and outside, until I find a justice that can admit official documents’, Dan Ioan Popescu said.

The High Court of Cassation and Justice decided the seizure of more than 4 million RON in the process of wealth acquired by former Social Democratic Party minister Dan Ioan Popescu and his wife.

The decision is not final and may be appealed to a higher panel of judges.

The amount forfeited will be paid to the state budget in 30 days.

The sentence comes following a complaint made ​​by the Attorney General in 2005 to the Commission of Control of Assets of the High Court of Cassation and Justice.

The amount forfeited will be paid to the state budget within 30 days since this decision remains irrevocable.

The seizure insurer has been maintained and the couple is forced to pay almost 18 thousand RON court costs.

Dan Ioan Popescu and his wife were accused by the Special Commission for Research of Assets that can not legally justify 46 billion lei in incomes obtained between 2001 and 2004, during which they bought 23 buildings and lands in Azuga and Bucharest.

The spouses claimed that the money came from selling one million Euros shares of a company acquired in 2001.

Dan Ioan Popescu was a Minister of Industry and Resources and a Minister of Economy and Trade between 2000 and 2004.

Between 2005 and 2006 he became a deputy and a chairman of the Committee for Industries and Services of the Chamber of Deputies.

Between 2006 and 2008 he was a deputy in the Chamber of Deputies.

Translated by: Denisse-Meda Bucura
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University