Standardization and Metrology Institute director 'harassed after revealing fraudulent schemes'

Igor Caldare, director general of the National Standardization and Metrology Institute, said the accusations made against him derive from his decision to disclose certain fraudulent schemes involving persons working in the field and at a number of state institutions, Info-Prim Neo reports. The news conference held by the Institute's director is a reaction to the conclusions formulated by the Center for Combating Corruption and Economic Crime in a report prepared after carrying out an inspection at the Institute in November last year. One month later, basing on the results of the economic and financial audit at the Institute, the Center issued an ordinance whereby Igor Caldare was accused of committing a number of offenses. “I am accused of authorizing a company to provide services that could be furnished by the National Standardization and Metrology Institute, causing thus damage to the state,” Igor Caldare said. “But they do not take into account the fact that the Institute at that moment did not have the equipment needed to provide those services. Also, I am accused of misconduct in office as I received premiums as administrator in accordance with an incorrect methodology for calculating premiums. The decision to award premiums is taken by the Administration Board and I have no possibility of influencing decision making.” Igor Caldare said the problems he faces have nothing to do with the accusations made against him. “I have evidence that certain persons and companies caused damage of at least half a billion lei to the state using fraudulent schemes to sell imported meters, especially in Chisinau,” he said. He also said that most of the meters, mainly those used in apartment buildings, do not measure the water correctly and the resulting difference is paid by the consumers. Igor Caldare held the news conference two hours before a press conference announced by the Center for Combating Corruption and Economic Crime. He promised he will answer reporters' questions after the Center's conference as well.