Romanian authorities charge CFR Cluj football club owner with blackmail
By APThursday, July 30, 2009
Romania: CFR Cluj owner charged with blackmail
BUCHAREST, Romania — Romanian prosecutors have charged the owner of CFR Cluj football club with blackmail and supporting a criminal group.
Organized crime prosecutors said Thursday that Arpad Paszkany financed media group Gazeta in 2004-2006 to promote his business interests and compromise rival companies.
Prosecutors say the publications ran libelous campaigns against companies and people Paszkany did not like. The publications also allegedly blackmailed companies to sign advertising contracts.
Prosecutors say the group financed by Paszkany threatened one of his opponents into selling him land worth $564,000 for just $14,000.
CFR Cluj played in the group stage of the Champions League last season, getting a win against Roma and a draw with Chelsea.
