35 Million Euros in Public Contracts
Libertatea reported that Q-East Software SRL, a Romanian company, has secured over 350 public contracts worth 177 million lei (approximately 35 million euros) since its founding in 2001. The firm, controlled by Marius Sticlaru and Tiberiu Lorenzio Leța, has supplied forensic technology linked to Russian developers, raising concerns about national security.
Technology Linked to Russian Developers
The Oxygen Forensic Detective suite, originally developed in Russia, was sold through a U.S.-based company, Oxygen Forensics Inc. U.S. and U.K. authorities arrested the founders of Oxygen Forensics for disguising Russian technology under a false American identity to secure Western contracts. Lee Reiber, a former American police officer specialized in digital forensics, was placed in the company’s leadership.
Romanian Institutions Use Suspect Technology
Libertatea revealed that institutions like the DNA, DIICOT, and IGPR have used the Oxygen Forensic suite. The software enables extraction of data from smartphones, cloud services, and IoT devices.
Financial Ties to Military and Law Enforcement
The Romanian Police awarded Q-East Software 18 contracts worth nearly 50 million lei since 2020. This includes a 4.8 million lei contract for the Oxygen Forensic Detective suite in 2021. Other clients include the SRI, DIICOT, and the National Anticorruption Directorate.
Founder’s Controversial Background
Marius Sticlaru, a former SRI officer, has an academic title revoked for plagiarism. His business ventures, including Q-East Software, have spanned over two decades, with ties to sectors ranging from IT to real estate. Sticlaru’s associates include figures linked to industrial automation.
Agencies Halt Software Use over Security and Espionage Risks
The DNA and DIICOT have halted use of the software due to security concerns, while other agencies conduct internal risk assessments. U.S. and Baltic states have also banned the technology, citing espionage risks.
What Is Oxygen Forensic Detective and Q-East Software?
What is the Oxygen Forensic Detective suite?
The software allows law enforcement to extract data from digital devices, including encrypted messages and deleted files. It was developed by Russian programmers and rebranded for Western markets.
How much has Q-East Software earned from public contracts?
The firm has secured over 350 contracts worth 177 million lei (35 million euros) since 2001, according to Libertatea.
What is Marius Sticlaru’s role in this scandal?
Sticlaru, a former SRI officer, founded Q-East Software and has ties to multiple government agencies. His academic title was revoked for plagiarism, and his companies have faced scrutiny over their tech acquisitions.