Representatives of metal companies residing in Moldova said they are subject to pressure by a private business entity that, according to them, wants to take over the metals market. In a press briefing at IPN, Ion Drăniceru, president of the Moldovan Employers Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals Recycling and Collection Association, said the given business entity is a newly founded private company.

“We do not want to be at war with someone. This is the reason that made us at this stage not to reveal the name of the person who wants to take over the metals market and the name of his company. We want to be allowed to operate and to choose who to cooperate with, not to be forced to follow a particular path,” stated Ion Drăniceru.

He believes the final goal is to freeze the activity of metal companies so that these are later taken over by raider attacks. “Analyzing the events that have happened on the metals market of the Republic of Moldova during the past few months, we reached the conclusion that attempts are being made to re-divide the spheres of influence. More exactly, someone, and we know who, tries to take over all the processes on the metals market,” said Ion Drăniceru.

The metal companies demand to be allowed to work without intimidation and persecution. The representatives of these companies said they are ready to furnish the responsible state bodies with relevant information, if they are sure that these will do their job and will not serve someone’s interests. “This is our message and we hope it will not only be heard, but will also be comprehended by those to whom it is addressed. If they don’t understand this message, they should assume the consequences. We are ready to use all the legal methods to protect our businesses.”

The Moldovan Employers Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals Recycling and Collection Association was registered with the Public Services Agency and consists of about 20 metal companies.