Romanian PM indicted in graft investigation

Prosecutors said Ponta has been indicted on charges including tax evasion, money laundering, conflict of interest and making false statements while he was working as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. At the time, Ponta was a lawmaker. He denies wrongdoing.

Prosecutors also said in a statement today that they temporarily froze Ponta’s personal assets which include shares in a house, an apartment and several bank accounts. He sold two apartments in May for 150,000 euros ($170,000) and also sold a car. Ponta, who took office in 2012, is the first sitting Romania prime minister to be indicted and have his assets seized.

The accusations against Ponta include forging expense claims worth at least 181,000 lei ($45,000) from the law firm of political ally Dan Sova. Prosecutors say he pretended he did work as a lawyer to justify getting money from the law firm. The funds were used to pay for two luxury apartments and the use of an SUV. Prosecutors say that after Ponta became prime minister in May 2012, he appointed Sova a minister three times.

Ponta, 42, who is recovering from a knee operation, was questioned at the offices of anti-corruption prosecutors on Monday morning. He walked up the steps on crutches into the building and he emerged about 30 minutes <g data-gr-id="28">later,</g> but declined to respond to questions, citing his right to remain silent.

Ponta has immunity for some of the charges, including the conflict of interest accusation. But he doesn’t have immunity for the tax evasion and money laundering charges. He can’t be arrested without Parliament’s approval, the prosecutors’ office said.