The PNL Bihor treasurer was placed under judicial control in a case concerning benefits illegally obtained through fictitious employment.

PNL Bihor treasurer Patricia Crina Popa is being investigated in a case in which 15 people allegedly illegally obtained 1,914,204 lei in child-raising benefits. Prosecutors say the beneficiaries used fictitious employment and unreal salary income to meet the legal conditions for receiving the money from AJPIS Bihor.

The investigated acts allegedly took place between January 2018 and December 2025, while the benefits were allegedly collected between 2020 and 2026. In total, 16 people are being investigated for continued fraud, complicity in fraud and false statements.

According to investigators, Patricia Crina Popa allegedly played a central role in the scheme. She allegedly identified 15 companies through which the beneficiaries were fictitiously listed as employees, prepared the documents and submitted tax returns reporting unreal income. The woman was detained for 24 hours and then placed under judicial control for 60 days. Prosecutors ordered a seizure of her assets and garnishment of her accounts to recover the damage.

On Thursday, Popa resigned as treasurer of PNL Bihor. The investigation is continuing under the coordination of the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the Oradea District Court.