In response to the many questions and numerous media reports following Anna Dereszowska's post regarding our company's alleged withholding of funds, we would like to provide additional context on the situation. To ensure full transparency, we are publishing the complete email correspondence with Ms Dereszowska.
Case background
- For several months, the Conotoxia Holding group has been struggling with problems arising from a decision of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), which, in our opinion, deprived one of our companies of its payment licence in violation of the applicable regulations.
- As a result of these actions, all companies related to our Holding have suffered severe financial and image losses.
- We know that the situation also affected our customers, including Ms Anna Dereszowska, who deposited funds to exchange them into foreign currency.
Public threats and media pressure
From the correspondence provided below, it appears that Ms Anna Dereszowska - instead of continuing the dialogue with us to reach an amicable solution - has directly suggested that if the money is not paid to her immediately, she will publicise the matter on social media and nationwide. There were also reports of media appearances, such as major websites, breakfast TV and the press.
In our opinion, such an action can be qualified as a form of image blackmail based on the principle of 'either an immediate return or a wave of unfavourable publications'.
Conotoxia's actions
- We have repeatedly directed official communications about settlement plans to Ms Dereszowska and have corresponded in an attempt to propose a solution to the problem.
- A settlement proposal appeared in Ms Dereszowska's account, which - unfortunately - she found unbelievable.
- Despite this, the company tried to find a way out for both Ms Dereszowska and other customers through a phased refund process.
Is it about the welfare of other customers ... or self-interest?
In her emails and social media statement, Ms Dereszowska cites 'concern for the thousands of people who may be exposed to unfair practices'. However, the message exchange clearly shows that her emphasis was primarily on the immediate return of her funds, with a clear promise to escalate the matter to the media if a swift response was not forthcoming.
Why are we publishing this correspondence?
Our aim is complete transparency. We have nothing to hide - we want the public to judge the style and course of this discussion. We believe everyone has the right to pursue their claims, but how Ms Dereszowska is doing so is - in our view - inappropriate and bears the hallmarks of forcing action by threatening a 'media storm'.
Our statement
- We respect everyone's right to defend their interests - we understand that lack of access to resources always causes legitimate concern.
- However, we believe that holding a discussion in this way, with announcements of a public backlash and with clear media threats, could be perceived as an attempt at blackmail, especially if the emails explicitly state the message: 'Either you return my money, or I go to the media'.
- We want to be fully transparent - that is why we publish all correspondence. We do not want to enter into an argument at the level of media 'pushback', but we believe that the public has the right to see the full picture, not just selective excerpts that appear on Instagram or in the media.
What's next?
- We are continuing to work on resuming operations and restoring our services to full functionality.
- We consider each customer's case on a case-by-case basis and offer possible solutions, including settlements.
- We will continue to report on the progress of the case and the legal steps we are taking to restore Conotoxia to its rightful position on the market and ensure repayment of liabilities to customers.
The Management Board of Conotoxia Holding
Correspondence with Anna Dereszowska