The European Public Prosecutor's Office in Sofia has filed an indictment against the former mayor and former regional governor of Varna, as well as against two employees of the Executive Agency "Maritime Administration". The charges are for fraud related to the reconstruction of a fishing port that does not exist.
According to the indictment, the four falsified official documents and provided false information to illegally acquire 3.4 million euros from the EU and national funds. The funds were intended for a project to improve the infrastructure of a supposed fishing port near Varna.
The investigation reveals that the port did not exist at the time the funding documents were submitted. Evidence indicates that the plots included in the funding application were registered as rocks, sand, and other objects. To report activity, the beneficiaries assembled several pontoons.
The damage to the EU budget is approximately 2.8 million euros, and the additional damage to the national budget amounts to 675,475 euros.
If found guilty, the former mayor and regional governor could receive between 2 and 8 years in prison. The other defendants could receive up to 5 years in prison. The court may also prohibit the defendants from holding certain state and public positions.
The case was reported to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). The General Directorate for National Police (GDNP) has also taken measures in the investigation. All those involved are innocent until proven otherwise by the competent court.