Romania’s National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) said in a statement that it indicted 41 people and nine companies. Prosecutors allege those indicted, including businessmen and officials from Romania’s finance ministry and tax agency, engaged in a tax evasion scheme that caused 597.22 million lei (US$ 142.38 million) in state losses.
Prosecutors say that, between 2010 and 2014, alcohol producer Murfatlar Romania SA and eight other companies controlled by Romanian "Wine King" George Ivanescu evaded excise and value added taxes by fraudulently claiming deductions.
Anti-corruption prosecutors detained 10 people, including Ivanescu, in October for alleged involvement in the case. Another five high-ranking officials were placed under judicial supervision after being suspected of aiding two of the companies in tax evasion.
