Bucharest, Romania-
Prosecutors have detained 33 bankers and government officials on suspicion of money laundering and fraud that cost the state $28.5 million.
Among those held are three Economy Ministry officials, the deputy chairman of Romanian Development Bank, and the chairman of a state fund that offers banks guarantees in exchange for business loans. The officials have been suspended, pending the inquiry.
Anti-organized crime prosecutors say the group managed to fraudulently obtain bank loans for fictitious businesses that were underwritten by the state fund for small and medium-sized business.
Prosecutors interviewed 100 people Thursday and raided some 50 homes and offices in Bucharest, Giurgiu and Calarasi. - Sapa-AP