The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (PO) has launched a criminal case after the Superior Council of Prosecutors (SCP) cancelled the competition for the head of the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG). Members of the SCP, as well as candidates for the post, are to be heard, PA head Veronica Dragalin announced in a live Facebook post.
“The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has taken matters into its own hands. A report has been registered, setting out the circumstances detected, and the registration of this report and the initiation of criminal proceedings will allow us to examine the circumstances of this competition and reach some solutions.
At the moment, it is premature to expound on an exact legal qualification. The law establishes that the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office is competent to investigate potential acts, such as abuse of office, exceeding the duties of office, negligence in office or perhaps even attempting to influence someone through promises, pressure, or other methods. This could also include potential passive bribery, active bribery, and other things.
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We have started a criminal case. It is not a criminal case. It is an initial phase of investigation before a criminal case is started. In the phase of the criminal process, the law allows us to use certain tools. For example, we can collect relevant documents and papers, we can hear witnesses, to reach a solution.
I decided to take on this investigation myself. I don’t want to have a subordinate, a PA prosecutor, investigate such a sensitive case. Members of the SCP, as well as candidates for the competition, could be interviewed.
There are risks, but I will count on the good faith and fairness of all SCP members. I hope we all want the truth to come out. I did not take any instructions or encouragement. I took this decision without consulting anyone else,” Veronica Dragalin said.