Activist Fiodor Ghelici, who is a diplomat of the International Organization for Economic Development (I.O.E.D), said the money from Banca de Economii (BEM) wasn’t stolen, but was taken with the people’s permission. In a news conference at IPN on March 23, the activist said the people allowed this to happen when they voted for the parties that had been earlier in power and that started to steal this money several years ago.
Fiodor Ghelici noted that the money from the BEM started to be taken to offshore areas in 2012, when Vlad Filat was Prime Minister. Despite the exiting varied information about the stealing of public money from banks and even if the then Premier was dismissed for acts of corruption, the people went to the polls and decided to allow those who were in power to govern further. “Can we name those who had been in power thieves if the people on November 30 gave them the ‘key’ to the people’s bank voluntarily?’ he asked.
The activist said he doubts that somebody will be held accountable in this case because everything was done in accordance with the law and the money was transferred to offshore areas, where Moldova cannot intervene. The law enforcement bodies will not do justice because they are politically controlled. It is also improbable that an international company would shed light in this case.
Fiodor Ghelici noted that the 10 billion lei stolen from the banks will never be restored because it was already shared out. An objective inquiry is needed to cast light in this case. Afterward, there should be arrested persons with responsible positions. But this will happen only if pressure is exerted from outside. However, an ordinary functionary would be used as a scapegoat and those who rule the country would continue their wrongdoings.
Two criminal cases were started over the provision of bad loans by Banca de Economii and over abuse of power by members of the Administration Board of Banca Sociala. Two persons were arrested. These acted based on power of attorney, being authorized by companies. The two later benefitted from loans from Banca Sociala.
