Romanian anticorruption prosecutors reportedly raided the general secretariat of the government (SGG) and seized documents on July 31. 

The SGG is headed by Mihai Busuioc, who is reportedly close to the influential head of Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), Liviu Dragnea. 

In a statement issued on August 1, the DNA confirmed it raided a public institution in Bucharest, but it did not name it. However, unnamed sources told News.ro. that the institution in question was the SGG, whose role concerns the technical operations of governing acts, and solving organisational, legal, economic and technical issues related to the government’s activity. It also represents the government in the courts.

According to News.ro’s sources, prosecutors held talks with some SGG employees and several people were asked to come to the DNA in the coming period.

The anticorruption prosecutors also raided homes in five towns, the DNA statement said. The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into alleged  acts of corruption carried out in July 2017. 

The SGG’s current head Busuioc was dismissed earlier this year by former prime minister Sorin Grindeanu and replaced by another former prime minister and close ally of Grindeanu, Victor Ponta. However, Romania’s new Prime Minister Mihai Tudose then reappointed Busuioc to head the SGG on coming to power in June.

According to sources quoted by News.ro, the DNA investigation will target an adviser to the head of the SGG.