TV presenter questioned by DNA in Bucharest mayor's bribery case

TV presenter Denise Rifai presented herself at the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) on Friday for questioning in a bribery case involving Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu. Rifai, who arrived at the DNA headquarters, declined to make statements to the press.

Earlier on Friday, Rifai firmly reacted to reports suggesting her potential involvement in a DNA case concerning gambling, which also mentioned Ciucu's name. She stated, "I am not involved in any criminal case and I have not made any complaints."

In the same case, Odeta Nestor, former president of the National Gambling Office (ONJN) and an associate of Mayor Ciucu, faces charges including complicity in bribery and offering bribes. Prosecutors allege that Ciprian Ciucu accepted advertising and electoral consulting services in 2025 from individuals connected to a Bucharest real estate project. These services were allegedly provided in exchange for using his mayoral authority as head of Sector 6 to facilitate administrative procedures for the project.

Prosecutors claim these benefits were intended to support Ciucu's political and electoral activities, with a third party reportedly mediating the arrangement. Ciucu himself has been charged with bribery and placed under judicial control for 60 days. He has filed an appeal against this measure.