Romanian deputy submits resignation following arrest

Bogdan Olteanu submitted his resignation as deputy governor of the National Bank of Romania to parliament today (August 1), a spokesperson from the central bank has confirmed.

Olteanu was arrested on July 29, as the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) claims to have evidence suggesting he was involved in a bribery scandal.

He appeared before Romania's Supreme Court on July 29, where the DNA requested he be detained under pre-trial arrest for a further 30 days. The court rejected this suggestion, but placed him under house arrest for that period. His lawyers have since appealed against the ruling.

Under house arrest, Olteanu is prohibited from leaving the premises without the permission of the court and must be accompanied when doing so. He is also prohibited from communicating with a number of individuals involved in the investigation.

The central bank put out a statement following his arrest noting other members of the management team will take on his duties. Following today's developments, a spokesperson notes it is up to parliament to decide whether to accept his resignation.

Under the National Bank of Romania Act, the deputy governor is appointed by parliament for a five-year term that may be renewed.

They may be recalled from office by parliament if deemed to no longer fulfil the conditions required for the performance of their duties or are found guilty of serious misconduct.

Parliament is due to break for a summer recess and so a decision is unlikely to come before September, the central bank says. Olteanu was appointed deputy governor in 2009.