Mugur Isărescu discusses the fate of Romanian gold sent to Moscow during World War I

Mugur Isărescu, the governor of the National Bank of Romania, addressed at a conference the fate of the Romanian Treasury evacuated to Moscow during World War I, emphasizing that many theories about it are unfounded. Isărescu mentioned that the Romanian gold is often associated with fictitious locations, such as Lake Baikal or Berlin, and highlighted that, in fact, it is still in Moscow.

He explained that, after the Bolshevik revolution in 1917, the Soviet authorities confiscated the Treasury, promising that they would return it, a promise that was not honored. Isărescu recounted meetings with international officials who constantly asked him about the Treasury, emphasizing the importance of promoting Romania's claims.

He also mentioned that the BNR has initiated a section on its website dedicated to the history of the Treasury and repatriation efforts. In the end, Isărescu emphasized the BNR's ongoing commitment to recover the gold, keeping relevant historical documents in the institution's safes.