www.mediafax.ro/justitie/cum-a-ajuns-o-achizitie-d

Four officials from the Lower Danube River Administration, one individual, and a company have been indicted over the purchase of two tugboats funded by EU grants. Prosecutors allege that the delivered vessels did not meet technical requirements, limiting their use during low water levels on the Danube. The indictment claims the procurement process restricted competition by including maritime specifications for vessels intended for inland waterways. Despite discrepancies in the vessels' specifications, the officials accepted the tugboats and falsely certified compliance. The alleged fraud has caused an estimated €7 million loss to the EU budget. If convicted, the accused face prison sentences ranging from three to ten and a half years, but they maintain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.