The bill that is to “de-criminalize” the economic offenses, which was proposed to the Cabinet on December 13, omits any reference to the offenses related to the banking fraud and no speculations on the issue can be thus accepted, Minister of Justice Vladimir Cebotari stated in the talk show “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel, IPN reports.
“The previous variants that were proposed for consultations also contained very clear mechanisms that had been discussed with prosecutors and the National Anticorruption Center. They prevented any type of clemency and freeing form punishment of those who were involved in the banking fraud or are to blame for it,” stated the minister. According to him, the bill says it clearly that the concessions do not apply to articles concerning an ongoing investigation, a trial or an accusation over the banking fraud.
Vladimir Cebotari said one of the main concessions envisioned by the bill for the business community is the fact that if the entrepreneur made a mistake unintentionally, he will not be arrested and his business will not be closed. The condition is for him to repair the mistake in a reasonable timeframe.
Alina Andriuta, cofounder of Angry Business, said there will be entrepreneurs who will try to profit from this law and will resort to tax evasion, but they bank on the fact that the entrepreneurs want a healthy business climate. “I want to believe that this law will not be used for evil purposes, but we are realistic and anticipate that there will be persons we will try to make use of it. But the law was designed so as to penalize those who pursue evil goals and it is thus very equitable,” she stated, noting that the delay in adopting this law will affect the business climate.
A number of civil society organizations signed an appeal whereby they call on the Ministry of Justice not to promote the draft law that “de-criminalizes” economic offenses. The signatories say the bill is designed to free “shrewd guys” from criminal liability and undermines the fight against corruption, IPN reports.
