The son in law of Ceausescu’s most feared men is one of the richest, most powerful and yet, discreet businessman in Romania.

Gabriel „Puiu” Popoviciu is not mentioned in „Top 300 Capital” of the richest Romanians, he has no pictures in business press, doesn’t give interviews, nor is he present in talk shows. Even so, he is the owner of about 1% of Bucharests surface.

He is the mogul who erased his name from the millionair tops made out by the media. Baneasa Investment, Howard Johnson, Casa Doina, Alltrom, IKEA, Comaliment, Pizza Hut, or KFC are companies who apparently have no connection with Popoviciu.

Today, EVZ starts baring the secrets of a man that used to work in an auto shop in 1990, and had an estimated fortune of 100 million dolars in 2003, according to Capital magazine.

The United States of America are his home, where his wife and daughter live, while Romania is the place that makes his fortune and influence grow.

Gabriel Popoviciu is very contained when he is asked for informations. He told EVZ: „I never liked to show off. I always preffered discretion when it comes to my businesses or my family”.

From Comunism to Democracy

The life that Popoviciu lead during the communist era is little known. After the 1990’s he took part to official visits in India and Indonesia, along with the presidential team of Ion Iliescu and was behind the 320 million euros arguable deal for a property in Bucharest.

Popoviciu was 30 when the Romanian Revolution took place. His father in law, Ion Dinca, had spent five years in jail because of his devotion to the Communist Party, although he was innitialy sentenced to death in 1990.

As he got out of jail, Ion Dinca was named counselor at ComputerLand, one of the first companies started by his two son in laws. During the five years of detention, Gabriel Popoviciu moved to the United States where he received citizenship.

In the name of the son Despide the numerous scandals where his name was mentioned, Popoviciu never came out of „silentio stampa”. His silence is partly motivated by the fact that a very small number of his businesses are officialy claimed by him. His 78 years old mother, Ligia Popoviciu owns important stakes at most of the companies created by her son.