Polish MP criticizes lawyer's dual role in cryptocurrency case

Polish lawmaker Sławomir Nitras has voiced strong criticism regarding Roman Giertych's involvement as a lawyer for Przemysław Kral, the former head of the collapsed Zondacrypto cryptocurrency exchange. Nitras, a member of the Civic Coalition (KO), stated that Giertych appears to have "confused his roles" by simultaneously acting as Kral's defense attorney and a member of parliament.

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I understand that Mr. Giertych is a lawyer. I don't know anything about what a lawyer can or cannot do. But I have been in parliament for almost 20 years and I know what a member of parliament can and cannot do, and in my opinion, Mr. Giertych has confused his roles here.

Nitras admitted he is not an expert on legal practice but emphasized his nearly two decades of experience in parliament. He believes Giertych should step aside from the case, suggesting that Giertych should instead recommend legal counsel to Kral and distance himself personally. "Mr. Giertych should say: 'Here you go, you have this right, use the prosecutor's help, I will recommend the best lawyers, but I cannot be involved in this case,'" Nitras stated.

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Mr. Giertych should say: 'Here you go, you have this right, use the prosecutor's help, I will recommend the best lawyers, but I cannot be involved in this case.'

The controversy stems from Giertych's representation of Kral, who is reportedly cooperating with prosecutors in an investigation into significant fraud and money laundering related to Zondacrypto. Nitras learned of Giertych's role as Kral's representative through a social media post. He expressed his disapproval of such standards, stating, "I do not agree with such standards and I believe that Roman Giertych should terminate this power of attorney, I expect it from him and he should withdraw from this case, because it is not about him being a star, but about justice working."

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I do not agree with such standards and I believe that Roman Giertych should terminate this power of attorney, I expect it from him and he should withdraw from this case, because it is not about him being a star, but about justice working.

Nitras also commented on allegations surrounding Zondacrypto's operations, suggesting Kral "handled mafia money." While clarifying he did not know Kral's exact role, he asserted that Kral was involved with funds linked to organized crime. The investigation into Zondacrypto, initiated by the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Katowice, is examining allegations of significant fraud and money laundering. It has since been merged with a national prosecutor's investigation into the disappearance of Zondacrypto's founder, Sylwester Suszek.

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I don't know what his role was, whether he is the owner or just a straw man, but he handled mafia money.