Gigi Becali, acquitted in ‘Cash Bag’ case

Steaua Bucharest football team owner George Becali, was acquitted on Tuesday, by the High Court of Justice and Cassation (ICCJ) magistrates in ‘ Cash Bag’ case, which is accused of bribery and forgery in deeds by private signature, Agerpres informs.

The decision of the High Court of Justice and Cassation is not final and may be appealed by the prosecutors.

The High Court of Justice and Cassation also decided to lift the distraint upon 1,7 million Euros that belongs to George Becali.

The decision was taken by majority of votes , those of the judges Ştefan Pistol and Geanina Cristina Anghel and is not final.

It was also decided the acquittal of the other defendants in the case Gigi Becali, Teia Sponte, Alina Florentina Ciul, Victor Piţurcă and Radu Gheorghe Marino , and for Radu Volcinschi the court took no further actions against him, following his death, it is said in the Supreme Court’s decision.

The High Court of Justice and Cassation(ICCJ) postponed in early April, for the third time, taking a decision in this case.

On March 6, at ICCJ was held the last term in the case in which George Becali is accused for having offered money to Universitatea Cluj players in order to win the match against CFR Cluj.

The ‘ Cash Bag’ case began on January 21, 2009 at Court of Appeal Cluj , but it declined its competence to the High Court of Justice and Cassation, taking into account the MEP quality that Becali obtained it along.

In May 2008 DNA( prosecutors put distraint upon upon 1,7 million Euros belonging to George Becali.

Money was intended to Universitatea Cluj team awarding not to lose the match against CFR Cluj( 0-1 on the field) the last stage of the 2007-2008 season in League 1 at football.

If the CFR Cluj had not won the match, Steaua would have become a champion.


Translated by
Denisse-Meda Bucura
MTTLC, Bucharest University