Arrested for Corruption: A Peek into Bucharest’s Healthcare System

Arrested for Corruption: A Peek into Bucharest’s Healthcare System

Deputy Director of Bucharest Hospitals Administration Arrested

Cristian Plută, the Deputy Director of Bucharest Hospitals Administration (ASSMB), found himself in a compromising position as he was arrested on charges of corruption. The National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA), after a thorough investigation, accused Plută of proposing a bribe of 210,000 Euros to the head of the institution, Oana Sivache, who subsequently reported him to the authorities.

Unveiling the Alleged Corruption

According to the prosecutors’ report, Plută allegedly suggested the bribe to Sivache in a restaurant in February. The proposition was for Silviu Stănilă to assist them in favorably resolving a contestation related to a framework agreement for ongoing repairs for all hospitals managed by ASSMB. Plută had plans to use his share of the bribe for building a house, as he reportedly informed Sivache.

Moreover, the DNA alleges that Plută received 20,000 Euros from George Mirel Cristescu, the manager of Colentina Hospital, for helping Cristescu secure his position as the interim manager of the hospital. Silviu Stăncilă is believed to have acted as an intermediary in this transaction.

Further Charges and Allegations

Plută is also accused of receiving over 300,000 lei (approximately 60,000 Euros) from Alexandru-Paul Dumitru, a representative of the company PALEX CONSTRUCTIONS INSTALLATIONS SRL. This sum supposedly represents 5% of the value of invoices paid by ASSMB under a framework agreement between ASSMB and the association ALPHA MAX BUILD-AVISION STRATEGY CONSULTING for construction work.

In August 2023, Plută is alleged to have sent the specifications for the “P1 TYPE EMERGENCY PRIVATE PROJECT” to Gheorghe Tomescu, the administrator of the company Fire&Rescue Services SRL, in an attempt to favor this company in winning the public tender.

ASSMB’s Response to the Investigation

Sivache, on the other hand, believes that the investigation into Plută does not cast a dark shadow on the activities of ASSMB, but rather shines a light on and purges corruption. She expressed readiness to cooperate with investigators in any form necessary, emphasizing that acts of corruption in the medical system can no longer be kept quiet, as it makes us complicit in potential future tragedies.