An official release from the National Anticcoruption Directorate reads that Dragnea allegedly set up an organized crime group in 2001, back when was chairman of Teleorman County Council. The group was allegedly led by Dragnea and comprised several public servants and businessmen.
The group’s activities revolved around Tel Drum, the Teleorman county public company that handles road infrastructure. Dragnea allegedly seized control of the company through privatization and the company was constantly favored in public procurement tenders seeking contractors for the county’s road infrastructure projects.
Prosecutors say that Dragnea managed in that way to illegally obtain both government and European Union funding.
Members of the alleged organized crime group were also appointed within the central administration and had access to confidential information.
As a result of the group’s activities, Dragnea allegedly obtained money, various assets and immovable properties and services, as well as donations from group members.
Prosecutors add that the case was opened following a complaint which OLAF (European Anti-Fraud Office) sent on September 30, 2016 regarding suspicions of illegal obtainment of European Union funds for the rehabilitation of county roads.
Liviu Dragnea already has a suspended jail sentence as he was convicted for election fraud over his 2012 attempt to impeach then-president Traian Basescu. Dragnea risks going to prison if found guilty in this case.