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BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Prosecutors have detained a former Romanian tourism minister and presidential candidate on charges of money laundering and influence peddling.
A lawyer confirmed that center-right politician Elena Udrea, who finished fourth in November's presidential election, was detained for 24 hours late Tuesday after she entered the anti-corruption prosecutor's office to answer charges.
Prosecutors said she is charged with influence peddling in the illegal licensing of software in schools, involvement in illegal financing of a boxing gala and money laundering.
Lawmakers voted to approve her arrest Monday on three charges. Udrea, who founded the Popular Movement Party last year, denies wrongdoing.
The 41-year-old gained notoriety due to her close relationship with Traian Basescu, Romania's president from 2004 to 2014. A court will decide Wednesday whether to arrest her for 30 days.
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