Romanian prosecutors seek to expand probe into former finmin

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian anti-corruption prosecutors asked parliament's approval on Tuesday to extend an investigation into former Finance Minister Darius Valcov on charges of doing business incompatible with this office.

Earlier this month, prosecutors launched a probe into Valcov, accusing him of favouring a company for a public works contract in exchange for about 2 million euros while in his former post as a mayor.

Valcov resigned his post days later, and leftist Prime Minister Victor Ponta currently serves as interim finance minister.

Prosecutors have also asked parliament to approve a temporary arrest warrant for Valcov, pending the investigation. Under Romanian legislation, prosecutors need parliament's approval to investigate and temporarily detain sitting MPs for graft committed while in office.

On Tuesday, they said evidence showed Valcov obtained gains from owning three businesses, which was incompatible with his post.

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Matthias Williams)