The Archbishop Teodosie of Constanta in Eastern Romania is under investigation on corruption charges by Romania’s notorious National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA).

On Monday, prosecutors placed him under judicial control for two months (60 days), pending an ongoing investigation. During this period, the Archbishop will have to appear in court, inform authorities as to his whereabouts, and avoid contact with his five co-defendants.

The high ranking orthodox cleric is suspected of taking bribes and submitting false statements to obtain EU funds. Allegedly, Archbishop Teodosie conspired with five suspects to declare vast wine grape farming plots, which did not exist, and collect agricultural subsidies.

The defendants appear to have received €300,000 is EU agricultural subsidies and were expecting a second tranche of funds in 2016.

Archbishop Teodosie is also accused of taking a €500 bribe in return for his approval of a contract for the parish.

New Europe

18 October 2016

Disclaimer: All views, opinions and accounts included in the RAI News Section are those of the authors; their inclusion does not imply official endorsement or acceptance by RAI. The News Section reflects the selection of topics of informative value to the organization and its stakeholders. Its content is taken from press/media sources and does not in any way reflect official RAI Secretariat policy. RAI Secretariat is not responsible for possible inaccuracies in media reports.