National Liberal Party (PNL) prime vice chairman Ludovic Orban is under criminal investigation for influence peddling aimed at undue benefits, the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) announced on Monday.
Prosecutors opened a criminal case against Orban and placed him under judiciary control for 60 days, the DNA stated in a release to Agerpres.
Orban, PNL's candidate for Bucharest mayor, has allegedly contacted on March 1 a businessman of his acquaintance to ask funds for his campaign; on March 20, he specifically asked for 50,000 euros cash, mentioning he has to hand it down to decision-makers in two television stations to promote his image; he insisted he needs the money within a couple of weeks, the prosecutors allege. According to them, the said businessman accepted to pay, but in exchange asked Orban to use his political influence to promote some business interests.
Under the terms of judiciary control, Orban must report to the prosecution and police upon call; inform about any changes of residence; not travel abroad unless permitted by a prosecutor; not contact or communicate in any way with other suspects in the case or any persons indicated by the judiciary authority the country; and refrain from possessing, bearing or using arms. Infringement may lead to the replacement of the judiciary control with house arrest or arrest pending trial.
Upon leaving the DNA offices on Monday, Orban acknowledged the opening of a case against him and the judiciary control, and claimed his innocence. He also announced his withdrawal from the municipal race.
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