High Court judges decided Wednesday to reject an appeal by ex-Economy minister Dan Ioan Popescu against a levy set on family assets as he is investigated for his failing to provide a proper explanation over part of his wealth.

A legal representative for the Popescu family had requested the levy to be lifted as he said it affects other people who have gained rights over some of the respective properties. Those people may call Dan Ioan Popescu to court to claim their money back or compensation for the buildings.

Dan Ioan Popescu is a former leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and was an Economy minister in the PSD government in 2000-2004.