Anti-corruption prosecutors in Romania and Slovenia have arrested two suspects, including Gregor Hudohmet and Romanian executive Cristian Theodor Dragomir, over an alleged 450,000-euro bribe tied to a major battery energy storage system project in Gheorgheni. According to investigative reports cited by Gândul, the suspects allegedly sought the payment through a disguised commercial contract linked to a recently signed engineering deal.
Arrests and Anticorruption Investigation Details
Judicial authorities at the Bucharest Tribunal ordered the preventive arrest of both suspects for 30 days following their detention on a Friday evening. Slovenian sources cited by local prosecutors indicate that Gregor Hudohmet, who leads GEN-I Sonce within the Slovenian GEN-I energy group, allegedly requested the sum of 450,000 euros plus VAT connected to a contract finalized weeks prior. Investigators suspect he received assistance from Cristian Theodor Dragomir, executive director of Waldevar Energy SRL, who allegedly pressured superiors to approve the payment. Prosecutors state the money was supposed to be hidden behind a standard business transaction before the case reached Romanian anticorruption authorities.
The Gheorgheni Energy Storage Project
The investigation centers on a 55 MW and 220 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) under development in Gheorgheni, Harghita County, representing a major infrastructure initiative for the region. GEN-I Sonce commenced construction after signing an EPC contract with Waldevar Energy SRL, aiming to store surplus renewable energy and provide grid balancing services. Waldevar Energy is wholly owned by Leon-Ion Arhire through Waldemar Holding, according to ListaFirme.ro data. Slovenian media reports have also identified Hudohmet as an associate of Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob. The facility is designed to inject power back into the grid during high-demand periods while generating revenue through frequency regulation.
Corporate Responses and Legal Status
Representatives for the companies involved have limited public comments as judicial proceedings advance. According to ProTV, company spokespeople stated they would share their official perspective once they gather more details regarding the ongoing investigation. Authorities emphasize that both detained suspects benefit from the presumption of innocence until a definitive court ruling is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the anticorruption investigation?
Gregor Hudohmet and Romanian executive Cristian Theodor Dragomir were arrested for 30 days by order of the Bucharest Tribunal.
What project is linked to the investigation?
The case involves a 220 MWh battery energy storage system project located in Gheorgheni, Harghita County, developed by GEN-I Sonce and Waldevar Energy SRL.
What are the specific allegations against the suspects?
Prosecutors suspect that Hudohmet solicited 450,000 euros plus VAT through a disguised commercial contract, with assistance from Dragomir.
Did you know? Independent battery energy storage systems (BESS) like the one in Gheorgheni help stabilize electrical grids by capturing excess renewable energy and releasing it when public demand peaks.
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