33 bankers, government officials arrested in Romania November 2, 2012 - 17:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Prosecutors have detained 33 bankers and government officials on suspicion of money laundering and fraud that cost the state €22 million ($28.5 million), The Associated Press reported. Among those held are three Economy Ministry officials, the deputy chairman of Romanian Development Bank, and the chairman of a state fund that offers banks guarantees in exchange for business loans. The officials have been suspended, pending the inquiry. Anti-organized crime prosecutors say the group managed to fraudulently obtain bank loans for fictitious businesses that were underwritten by the state fund for small and medium-sized business. Prosecutors interviewed 100 people and raided some 50 homes and offices in Bucharest, Giurgiu and Calarasi. Partner news  Top stories U.S. officials say they want to advance efforts to start talks between the Syrian government and opposition leaders. The international conference, backed by Russia and the U.S., aims to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Nuland, a career foreign service officer who was until recently State's top spokesperson, was expected to be nominated the post. Alkhatib said Assad should respond within 20 days and that he should then be given a month to dissolve parliament.   Partner news |  Latest news Israeli security expert Syrian hacker attack foiled  Israel refuses to comment on the strike but officials at the time said Iranian missiles set for Hezbollah were hit.Gyumri to host Europe Day celebrations The celebrations will feature a small information fair, with EU project representatives to brief the visitors on the initiatives launched.1st Armenian interactive fairy tale available for iPhone/iPod Touch The tale sparked great interest in Diaspora. Such projects, namely interactive version of “Alice in Wonderland”, are popular abroad.Expert says Russian FM’s remarks in context of Madrid Principles No decisive developments will follow the meeting between Russian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, David Jamalyan said. |
