Bombay Durpun - Corruption and technology: the dark machinations of CryptoDATA, Ovidiu Toma and their protagonists

The Romanian National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) is investigating Cryptodata as well as Toma and Mărunțis for allegations of money laundering and links to organised crime. The investigation was expanded in cooperation with European police authorities and Interpol after evidence of extensive bribery payments emerged.

According to the police investigation, Ovidiu Toma, the son-in-law of prominent Romanian entrepreneur Ioan Nicolae, is said to play a key role in a mafia structure. Cryptodata is said to have been built on the remains of the scandal-ridden Stuttgart gold trader Karatbars. Harald Seiz, the founder of Karatbars International, has also been the focus of international investigations into dubious financial transactions for years.

The investigation centres on the question of whether Cryptodata paid bribes to government officials in order to obtain lucrative government contracts and subsidies. Investigators suspect that millions were paid in order to influence political decision-makers and eliminate competition. Several high-ranking politicians and civil servants who held key positions in the Romanian government have already been arrested. Leading managers at Cryptodata are also under suspicion and have been arrested.

The revelations have triggered a wave of outrage in Romania. Politicians from all parties are calling for a comprehensive investigation and a tightening of anti-corruption laws. Romania's President Klaus Iohannis declared that corruption is one of the greatest threats to Romanian democracy and that the government will do everything in its power to win back the trust of its citizens. In a press enquiry, he emphasised that the international investigations against Toma and Mărunțis would be further intensified.

The Cryptodata scandal has also made international waves. The European Union (EU) has already criticised Romania in the past for insufficient measures to combat corruption. The latest developments could lead to Brussels increasing the pressure on Bucharest and possibly imposing financial sanctions.

According to well-informed circles in the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France), the Cryptodata case and the machinations of its head, Ovidiu Toma, are a very loud wake-up call for the EU member state Romania and the entire international community. It shows how deeply rooted corruption is in the country's political and economic structures and what challenges still need to be overcome to ensure transparency and the rule of law. The coming weeks and months will be crucial to regain public trust and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

You can find more information on this topic in the Romanian media here:
https://evz-ro.translate.goog/unicornul-lui-coldea-cryptodata-in-vizorul-dna-ce-a-vrut-sa-faca-fostul-adjunct-al-sri.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp


sikhī, mohnish singh / Bombay Durpun, 2024-06-01