PM's brother-in-law Iulian Hertanu, under preventive arrest

The High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ) on Wednesday ruled the 30-day preventive arrest of Iulian Hertanu, Prime Minister Victor Ponta's brother-in-law, investigated by the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) in a case concerning fraud in a contract funded from European funds.

Photo credit: (c) Silviu MATEI / AGERPRES PHOTO

Moreover, the court admitted the DNA's preventive arrest request for Vladimir Razvan Ciorba, while Mihail Marian Coman will be investigated under legal restrictions.

The decision is not final.

Iulian Hertanu, shareholder in SC Grossman Engineering Group SRL, was detained on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday by the DNA prosecutors ? Ploiesti Local Office, for establishing an organised crime group, illegally changing the destination of European funds and tax evasion.

The same charges were held against Mihail Marian Coman, administrator/associate at SC Indserv SRL Ploiesti and SC Indserv Proiect SRL Ploiesti and employee of SC Hidro Prahova SA (as adviser to the general manager since May 24, 2012) and Vladimir Razvan Ciorba, administrator/associate at SC CVR Asfalt Construct Group SRL Dobroesti, Ilfov County, SC CVR Activities Group SRL Bucharest and SC Gefam Pro SRl Dobroesti, Ilfov County.

However, the prosecutors no longer request the arrest of Liviu Munteanu, administrator of SC Grossman engineering Group SRL, also detained in this case.

In the same case, a criminal investigation and legal restrictions were disposed for Mircea Cosma, Prahova County Council, charged with aiding an organised crime group and use of influence or authority for misappropriation of money, goods or benefits for himself or others; Deputy Vlad Cosma (Mircea Cosma's son) and Deputy Sebastian Ghita, the last...