Polish Authorities Arrest More in Zondacrypto Collapse Investigation
Polish authorities have made more arrests in connection with the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange Zonda (formerly BitBay), which halted withdrawals amid liquidity issues earlier this year. The latest detainees include a prominent Polish stock market trader, Rafał Zaorski, who was brought to the National Public Prosecutor's Office in Katowice on August 2. Zaorski claimed he is 'a victim' but did not comment further.
The investigation into Zondacrypto's collapse has grown into a major political scandal, with management accused of sponsoring conservative events and figures to ensure favorable crypto regulation. The case involves suspicions of large-scale fraud and money laundering, and it's believed that Zaorski may possess information about the disappearance of Sylwester Suszek, the missing founder of BitBay.
The 'Crypto-Asset Market Act' proposed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk has been vetoed twice by President Karol Nawrocki, and it is returning to parliament this week. Previous arrests in the case include that of Radosław Piesiewicz, head of the Polish Olympic Committee, who accepted a €40,000 watch from Zonda's boss as part of sponsorship deals.