Bucharest's ELCEN Directors Under Judicial Control Amidst Bribery Probe

ELCEN Directors Face Bribery Allegations

Two high-ranking officials from Electrocentrale București (ELCEN), the primary heat producer for Romania's capital city, Bucharest, have been placed under judicial control. This significant development comes as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged bribery and corruption. Among those facing these serious accusations is Claudiu Creţu, who holds a directorial position within the critical public utility company. The National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) has been leading the probe, which has drawn considerable public attention due to the importance of ELCEN to the city's infrastructure.

The measure of judicial control is a restrictive legal step, meaning the individuals are not detained but are subject to certain obligations and limitations on their movement and activities while the investigation continues. This typically involves regular reporting to police, restrictions on leaving the country, and prohibitions from contacting certain individuals or engaging in specific professional activities related to the alleged offenses.

Details of the Corruption Investigation

The allegations center around a complex scheme involving an alleged Moldovan businessman who reportedly provided bribes to the ELCEN directors. These payments are believed to have been made in exchange for favorable treatment in securing consultancy contracts with the energy company. Reports indicate that the businessman was allegedly instrumental in helping a specific entity win multiple tenders — potentially all three consultancy contracts offered by ELCEN during a particular period. The scale of the alleged influence peddling highlights concerns about the integrity of public procurement processes within state-owned enterprises.

Further details emerging from the investigation, including recorded conversations, suggest a pattern of alleged illicit benefits. These benefits reportedly extended beyond direct payments, with mentions of luxury travel, such as a trip to Courchevel, France, as part of the alleged quid pro quo. Such revelations underscore the comprehensive nature of the bribery claims and the efforts by authorities to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption network.

ELCEN's Official Response and Board Meeting

Following the news of its directors being placed under judicial control, ELCEN, through official channels, announced that its Board of Directors (Consiliul de Administrație – CA) is set to convene. This meeting is expected to address the implications of the ongoing legal proceedings for the company's management and operations. As a vital provider of district heating for Bucharest, stability in ELCEN's leadership is crucial, particularly as the city prepares for colder months when demand for heat is at its peak. The board's discussions will likely focus on internal governance, potential interim appointments, and the company's official stance regarding the accusations.

What happens next

The investigation by the DNA is ongoing, and the judicial control measure can be extended or modified depending on the progress of the case. Further legal actions, including potential indictments, could follow if prosecutors gather sufficient evidence. ELCEN’s Board of Directors will need to make decisions that ensure the continued functioning of the company and maintain public trust. The outcome of their meeting will be closely watched, as will any subsequent developments in the legal proceedings against the accused directors. This case serves as a reminder of the Romanian authorities' commitment to combating corruption within key public institutions.