“I understand that there will always be misunderstands and competitions between the political parties, but the political class should yet remain solidary in the investigation of the bank fraud. This is very important and is a very powerful signal for the law enforcement bodies, the judicial system, the prosecution service,” the project’s standing expert Igor Boțan said in a public debate titled “Investigation of bank fraud: actions, perceptions, reasonable timeframes” that was staged by IPN News Agency.

Igor Boțan admits that not all the stolen funds could be recovered, but a part of that sum should be used to support the prosecutors’ efforts and this will be a stimulus that public opinion will understand.

The expert noted that one third or more of the people’s savings in national currency were stolen as a result of the bank fraud. “Another side of the coin is that the state institutions that were subject to pressure by the development partners had to improve operation of the Customs, for example. I didn’t see economic improvements, but the Customs started to work very efficiently. So, those who were caught in the trap, those from the government started to bring things at the Customs in order. The people will thus understand why a part of the recovered money should go to the law enforcement bodies,” stated Igor Boțan.

The expert believes the Moldovan citizens want the politicians to show permanent interest in the investigation of the bank fraud without becoming involved in the process. “I hope the politicians do not become involved with particular suggestions or hidden interests as this would be regrettable. The manifestation of political will would be something extraordinary,” he stated, noting the media should permanently monitor the investigation into the bank fraud, while the people should themselves draw conclusions.

Igor Boțan considers the report of the parliamentary commission of inquiry into the robbing of the banking system led by Alexandru Slusari helped the investigation get out of the marsh and follow a path of normality and hope that the situation can be ultimately clarified.

The debate “Investigation of bank fraud: actions, perceptions, reasonable timeframes” was the 143th installment of the series “Developing political culture through public debates” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation.