Former Romanian prime minister Adrian Nastase was sentenced to four years in prison Monday for taking bribes.
Nastase, 63, was convicted of receiving $858,000 in bribes from construction company-owner Irina Jianu in exchange for appointing her to lead the public works department.
In March 2013, Nastase was released from prison after almost two years for stealing €1.5 million for his 2004 election campaign. He has denied all graft charges and said he is being persecuted for political reasons.
Prosecutors said Jianu paid for shopping trips to China for Nastase and his wife Daniela between 2002 and 2004.
“A dozen shipping containers were needed to transport the goods, which included sculpted furniture, bronze statuettes and even plastic vegetables,” according to court records.
Jianu also paid for renovations to two villas owned by Nastase.
He was prime minister between 2000 and 2004.
Romania joined the EU in 2007. It is under observation by the European Commission for anti-corruption enforcement efforts.
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Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. He can be contacted here.
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