Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Romanian Minister Resigns Amid Bribery Accusations, Including a Renoir

March 27, 2015 by Marion Maneker

Darius Valcov
Darius Valcov

Just a quick reminder that a painting by a recognized artist of value still holds currency as an alternative form of illicit payment:

Prosecutors detained Romania’s previous finance minister Wednesday on suspicion that he took bribes, including gold bars and a painting by French Impressionist Auguste Renoir, when he was mayor of a southern town.

Prosecutors said Darius Valcov had hidden the painting, three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of gold and stashes of cash worth $410,000 in a friend’s safe from 2011.

He was detained for 24 hours.

Valcov resigned as finance minister on March 15 after prosecutors charged him with taking 2 million euros ($2.1 million) in bribes when he was mayor. He denies wrongdoing.

Romanian ex-minister suspected of accepting Renoir as bribe

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Victorians in DemandVictorians in Demand
  • Phillips Editions = £3.6m ($5m)Phillips Editions = £3.6m ($5m)
  • Class of 2007: Sotheby’s Imp Mod Eve SaleClass of 2007: Sotheby’s Imp Mod Eve Sale
  • Tunafish CorrectionTunafish Correction
  • Buyer of Hopi Masks from Paris Auction Has Change of Heart and Returns Them to TribeBuyer of Hopi Masks from Paris Auction Has Change of Heart and Returns Them to Tribe
  • Art Miami SalesArt Miami Sales

Filed Under: General

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...