(Luxembourg, 7 November 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest (Romania) has filed an indictment against the former mayor of the city of Sulina (Tulcea County), in a case concerning fraud involving EU funds from the Operational Programme for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
According to the investigation, in his capacity as mayor, the defendant submitted false documents to the Managing Authority for the programme, to obtain EU funding for the project “Mooring facilities in the city of Sulina – Sulina Beach Bridge Canal area”. The documents falsely attested that the project had been completed, and the equipment delivered, although the supplier had not yet fulfilled the contractual obligations.
The investigation showed that the products were delivered and installed only after the end of the project implementation period. By submitting the false report, the defendant caused potential damage of around €180 000 (RON 892 495.54), of which approximately €135 300 (RON 669 371.60) came from EU funds and €45 000 (RON 223 123.80) from the national budget. Freezing orders have been issued to secure the recovery of these amounts.
A plea agreement was concluded with the administrator of the supplier company, who admitted to the offences charged.
If found guilty, the defendant faces a prison sentence of up to seven years.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Romanian courts of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.