“The prosecutor who manages Metalferos case provides the press with materials that form part of the investigation file, in breach of the law,” said the president of the Moldovan Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals Recycling and Processing Association Ion Drăniceru. According to him, the press that disseminates this information presents it as authentic without offering those involved the right of reply.
In a news conference at IPN, Ion Drăniceru noted the information from the investigation file is distributed inaccurately by the press. The goal is to spoil the image of those from the Association. The information is leaked by the prosecutor handling the case and by a businessman. The latter is a witness in this case, but they believe this the main accomplice. This person goes to TV programs and disseminates incorrect information.
“For us, the intention of prosecutor Vladislav Căruceru is clear. He continues to play his game on the sly. Given that this case was fabricated, at least as regards our area of activity, we consider he tries to create a negative image for our associates,” said the president of the Moldovan Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals Recycling and Processing Association Ion Drăniceru.
On December 16, the Association filed a preliminary complaint against the TV channel that broadcast a feature on the issue and asked for the right of reply, but this wasn’t ensured for them. “We really hope that the Prosecutor General’s Office includes professionals who will realize that all these features are aberrations without any substantiation. We hope the administration of the Prosecutor General’s Office will investigate and has the capacity to investigate and competent people who can determine where the journalists take this information from and declare directly that this is a leak. We consider leaks can come only from the prosecutor in charge of the case or from the key witness,” stated Ion Drăniceru.
Members of the Moldovan Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals Recycling and Processing Association are charged with forming part of a criminal group organized by the former Democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc in 2009. The Association that collects iron and supplies it to the state-owned enterprise “Metalferos” is accused of falsifying purchase documents to hide the real value of transitions and of causing damage to the state budget this way. The Association’s administration denies any wrongdoing.
