The National Bank of Moldova (BNM) is examining the available information about the transactions at Moldova-Agroindbank and asked the competent bodies to provide any existing evidence about the concerted activity of the new shareholders, the central bank has said in a communiqué. The BNM pledges to take all the legal measures needed to protect the stability of BC Moldova - Agroindbank SA and the banking system of Moldova, IPN reports.

According to the BNM, if the shareholders of a bank with significant holdings act concertedly, some of their rights are suspended since the day shares are purchased without the central bank’s permission.

During March 15 -18, there were performed 23 small dealings in the bank’s shares representing about 1.66% of the registered capital. These transactions arouse suspicions. More dealings in shares were carried out on April 10-24 and then on May 14-18. The purchased shares were transferred to seven companies registered in the UK, Cyprus, and Latvia. Each of the companies owns holdings of under 5% and thus didn’t need to obtain the BNM’s consent for the transactions.

The National Bank said that if sufficient proofs about the acquisition of a significant shareholding in Moldova-Agroindbank without the BNM’s consent are collected, the rights of the shareholders will be suspended.

Earlier, Moldova-Agroindbank issued a communiqué, saying it became the target for new fraudulent acts by a group of persons who act concertedly, being supported by high-ranking officials from state bodies (administrative and judicial) and by the independent registrar “Registru-Corect”. Contacted by IPN, a person holding a responsible post at “Registru-Corect” said that he cannot make any comments. Oleg Reidman, chairman of the parliamentary commission of inquiry into the situation at Banca de Economii and the whole banking system of Moldova, said he cannot pronounce as the commission hasn’t yet compiled the report that must be rendered in Parliament.