Detention and Charges
The Bucharest Court of Appeal placed Călin Georgescu in 30-day preventive detention over allegations that he and two other suspects defrauded a businessman of €1.1 million. Prosecutors say the businessman paid after being told a credit line of up to €15 million from a foreign financial institution could be secured. Georgescu denies wrongdoing.
On 13 October the Bucharest Tribunal replaced detention with 30 days of house arrest, but the order is not final. DIICOT appealed on 14 October, so Georgescu stays in the central police detention facility until the Court of Appeal rules.
Evidence and Witnesses
DIICOT froze his Mogoșoaia villa, and local media report it also seized several bank accounts. More than 20 devices seized at the villa await forensic examination. Prosecutors have questioned his father-in-law over a 118,000 lei transfer and the wife of co-suspect Ionel Rusen over an account at MIGOM Bank. The claims are untested in court.
Political Backdrop
Supporters have protested for 14 nights, including outside DIICOT. Gendarmes issued 101,000 lei in fines between 29 September and 9 October for undeclared gatherings and disruption. The test is the Court of Appeal's ruling on DIICOT's challenge.