THE Romanian high court has ordered the arrest of former finance minister Darius Valcov over allegations that he took €2 million (£1.45m) in bribes while mayor of Slatina.

Prosecutors said the ex-minister had hidden works by Picasso and Renoir and 6.6lbs of gold.

The court also ordered the arrest of Constanta Mayor Radu Mazare, who allegedly took €9m (£6.64m) in bribes in exchange for handing out permits and awarding contracts.

Elsewhere, another court sentenced Romania’s richest businessman Ioan Niculae to 30 months in prison for paying a €150,000 (£111,000) bribe to a Social Democratic Party official in exchange for influence in the government.

Official Gheorghe Bunea Stanciu was given three years.