Romanian professor gets suspended sentence for bribing police officer

A professor from a technical college in Suceava, Romania, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for attempting to bribe a police officer. The incident occurred when the professor was stopped for significantly exceeding the speed limit.

Florin Cuzenco was driving his Suzuki at 106 km/h in a zone where the maximum speed was 60 km/h. When a police officer explained the violation and the applicable fine, Cuzenco attempted to offer 450 lei, approximately a quarter of the penalty, in exchange for leniency. The officer refused the bribe, and video evidence from the patrol car was used as proof in the subsequent criminal case.

Appearing before investigators, Cuzenco claimed he was flustered and in a hurry to reach Bacău airport to meet his son returning from abroad. He stated he was "confused, dazed" and rushed, which led to his impulsive offer.

Cuzenco agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors, which was approved by the court. He received a sentence of one year and six months in prison, suspended for a two-year probationary period. The court's decision reflects the legal consequences for bribery attempts in Romania.