by Taurus on Thu 11 Mar, 2010 7:52 am 
Police investigations have concluded that former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu "could be criminally involved" in the death of Mr Tong Kok Wai and the serious injuries caused to two other pedestrians.
Police investigating officer Raimi Mohd Yusof told a Coroner's Inquiry that investigations showed the Romanian embassy's black Audi was not stolen outside the Romanian Embassy, as claimed by Dr Ionescu.
The former charge d' affaires had told the police the black Audi was missing after he parked it outside the embassy.
However, a witness testified earlier the Audi had not been tampered with or broken into and its ignition keys were not reported as stolen.
Police investigations also traced the route taken by Dr Ionescu on December 15 last year.
Footage from CCTV and traffic cameras showed that after dropping off a female companion off at about 2.57am, Dr Ionescu left Hillcrest Arcadia Condominium and made a left turn into the Pan Island Expressway.
He then filtered into the slip road leading to Bukit Timah Expressway towards Woodlands.
Dr Ionescu then turned left into Bukit Panjang Road and was involved in two hit-and-run accidents but continued driving his car and made a right turn into Woodlands Road.
He then turned into Sungei Kadut Avenue and abandoned the black Audi before taking a taxi to his home.
The Coroner's Inquiry drew to a close on Wednesday morning after six days.
Some 250 exhibits were presented and 54 witnesses testified before the Court.
State Coroner Victor Yeo will deliver his findings on March 31.
- CNA/yb
