Prosecutors Start Criminal Investigations Against PDL Senator Mircea Banias

05.23.2011 By Ioana Tudor

Romanian anticorruption prosecutors on Monday have started criminal investigations against ruling democrat liberal MP Mircea Banias accused of influence peddling.

Banias, who was brought in for questioning earlier Monday, said prosecutors have started criminal investigations against him in a case regarding illegal imports of freight from China. He added he is not involved in any illegal affairs and knows nothing about this issue.

Border Police representatives told MEDIAFAX Monday authorities conducted about 50 raids in Constanta and capital Bucharest in a case regarding contraband and tax evasion.

Police officers raided the home of Interior Ministry secretary general Laurentiu Mironescu who, according to people familiar with the matter, is suspect in a case regarding illegal imports.

Interior Minister Traian Igas said Monday afternoon he dismissed Mironescu.

Checkups carried out in southeastern Romania targeted the Agigea Sud customs point, the Constanta customs head and several customs workers - suspects in a file regarding illegal imports of freight from China through Black Sea harbors.