Romania’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) has demanded the arrest in absentia of the Israeli investors Tal Silberstein, Shimon Shevez, Benjamin "Beny" Steinmetz, and Moshe Agavi.

The four investors are under investigation in a corruption case related to the illegal restitution of the Baneasa Royal Farm and a 47-hectare land plot in Snagov, according to a DNA statement.

Prince Paul of Romania and Remus Truica, former Prime Minister Adrian Nastase’s chief of staff, are the main suspects in this case of illegal restitution.

Starting November 2006, the defendant Truica Remus, together with Tal Silberstein, Shimon Shevez, Benjamin "Beny" Steinmetz, and Moshe Agavi, have constituted a criminal group for acquiring the whole property illegally claimed by Paul Philippe of Romania, according to the prosecutors. They offered money or goods to the authorities and institutions that owned these properties in order to have the properties restituted to Prince Paul.

Paul Philippe of Romania promised Remus Truica and his partners some 50-80% of the recovered properties’ value and transferred the assets to them when he got them, according to DNA.

Beny Steinmetz is one of the richest people in Israel. His wealth is estimated at USD 1.2 billion, according to Forbes. Steinmetz is one of the main shareholders of Gabriel Resources, which holds 80% of the mining project Rosia Montana Gold Corporation.

Media: Sixth richest Israeli, investigated in illegal royal restitution case in Romania

editor@romania-insider.com