Prosecutors from Romania’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) carried out searches on Tuesday at five locations across Bucharest and the counties of Ilfov, Prahova, and Constanța, one of which is the headquarters of a public institution.

Searches also took place at the residence of Cristian Popescu Piedone in Bragadiru, as well as at a hotel complex in Mamaia where he was staying. The case involves allegations that the head of the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) allegedly warned a hotel in Sinaia about an upcoming inspection.

Piedone stated that he did not coordinate the special task force for the Prahova Valley area.

“I don’t hide the fact that the hotel owner is a longtime friend of mine. He is also a public figure. But I had no exchange of information, I didn’t notify anyone, and I wasn’t involved,” he said. 

He claimed that his actions upset many through the controls he enforced.

“I did not engage in influence peddling, I didn’t take a single leu, I did my job. That I disturbed people — yes,” Piedone added. 

After the search at his home, Piedone declared that no incriminating documents were found and that he would go to the DNA headquarters to give a statement.

UPDATE – Official DNA statement

“Prosecutors from the Anticorruption Section of the National Anticorruption Directorate are conducting an investigation into suspected corruption-related offenses committed by public officials and their accomplices. On July 22, 2025, following legal authorization from the competent court, prosecutors carried out home searches at five locations in Bucharest and the counties of Ilfov, Prahova, and Constanța. One of these is a public institution, while the others are private residences or business premises,” the DNA announced. 

INITIAL REPORT – via G4Media

According to G4Media, DNA searches were conducted at the Mamaia hotel complex where Cristian Popescu Piedone was staying. He was then escorted by prosecutors to Bragadiru, where a search was conducted at his home. He is suspected of having alerted a hotel in Sinaia about an upcoming inspection.

Sources cited by G4Media also claim that searches were planned in Sinaia, after which Piedone would be taken in for questioning.

The hotel allegedly warned is the Hotel International in Sinaia, owned by Dan Radu Rușanu, former PNL member and former head of the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF).

Written by News.ro | 22 iulie 2025, 08:56