Ion Drăniceru, president of the Moldovan Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals Recycling and Collection Association, in the name of the Association asks to investigate the actions of prosecutor Vladislav Căruceru, who handles the Metalferos case, and to name an independent, uninfluenced prosecutor to deal with this case so that light is shed in this high-profile case and the real bandits are held accountable.

In a news conference hosted by IPN, Ion Drăniceru said he wants a senior prosecutor to be assigned to investigate the actions of prosecutor Căruceru. “Now that the country’s administration was changed and they speak about a justice sector reform and the assessment of prosecutors and judges, I consider prosecutor Vladislav Căruceru should be assessed the first or among the first so as to see how he dealt with all his cases,” he stated.

The entrepreneur thinks the members of the Association are featured in the Metalferos case unjustly. He said prosecutor Căruceru on November 15 started to invite the so-called suspects in the Metalferos case and informs them about the order to modify the accusation.

The order shows that Vladimir Plahotniuc in 2009 created a criminal group with the aim of appropriating money from the state-run company Metalferos, naming his men in key posts. This also says that Vladimir Plahotniuc organized economic monopolies for the purpose of enrichment.

Ion Drăniceru added that prosecutor Căruceru said that Vladimir Plahotniuc in 2009 decided to found criminal organizations and he was the brain of the metals market monopolies even if the monopoly was actually established by a Government decision of 2002. “Vladimir Plahotniuc invited all those who are members of our Association to take part in this criminal group,” he stated.

“These witnesses are about 50 ordinary people from villages who collect scarp iron to earn their living. They were invited for questioning by the prosecution body. If they refused to come, they were told they will be brought by force or will pay taxes on the iron delivered to the Association.”

Ion Drăniceru said he tried to inform Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is now suspended, about these abuses by letters he sent on March 15 and 19 this year, but all in vain.