BUCHAREST, Romania – A senior Romanian intelligence official has decided to retire after a businessman indicted on wide-ranging corruption charges claimed he had a close relationship with the officer.
Florin Coldea, the No. 2 in Romania's main domestic intelligence agency for 12 years, said Tuesday he wanted to step down to preserve "the dignity and military honor" of the agency and to not harm its activity.
On Tuesday, an internal probe absolved Coldea of any misconduct or illegal activity.
The inquiry came after businessman Sebastian Ghita boasted in footage on a private TV channel that he vacationed with Coldea and his family abroad, providing photos to support his claims.
Officials have issued an arrest warrant for Ghita, who illegally left Romania after he was charged with bribery, blackmail and money laundering.
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