The Supreme Court has decided to release former Finance Minister Sebastian Vlădescu and former Eximbank president, Ionuț Costea, after finding that the facts for which they were convicted have expired. Vlădescu had a sentence of 7 years and 4 months for bribery, while Costea was serving a 6-year sentence for complicity in bribery. At the same time, the sentence of Darius Vâlcov, convicted to 6 years for influence peddling and money laundering, was reduced to 5 years, after the court accepted the appeal in cassation and found that the facts of influence peddling have expired.
The decisions reflect the application of a previous ruling by the Constitutional Court, which emphasizes the importance of respecting the right to defense and equality of opportunity in justice. Although the convicts are released, civil obligations and confiscation measures remain in force, ensuring the repair of damages.