Romanian Road Authority Director Indicted for Bribery, Found with Cash in Shoeboxes

Cristian Anton, the director general of the Romanian Road Authority (ARR), faces charges of bribery and leading an organized crime group. Prosecutors allege Anton orchestrated a scheme to allow candidates to fraudulently pass professional transport certification exams. These exams were organized in March of this year, and Anton reportedly received tens of thousands of euros in bribes for his role.

During searches of his home, investigators discovered approximately 500,000 euros concealed within shoeboxes. Anton has been indicted along with the administrator of a commercial company and the owner of a professional training center. The indictment details how Anton, as the head of ARR, allegedly formed the criminal group to commit corruption offenses related to these exams.

Prosecutors state that Anton coordinated the group's activities, managed the fraudulent process for theoretical and computer-based tests, and maintained contact with other members. He allegedly received lists of candidates who paid bribes and a portion of the collected funds. Anton also reportedly designated examination committee members to facilitate the fraud in Arad, Mehedinți, and Bucharest, while taking measures to avoid detection.