Appellate Court returns head of ViK Nessebar to custody over bribery

Burgas Appellate Court: Head of Water and Sanitation Nessebar remains behind bars

The Appellate Court in Burgas overturned the ruling of the District Court and returned Svilen Stanchev, head of the "Nessebar" district of "Water Supply and Sewerage" EAD, to custody. The decision is final and brings an end to the house arrest under which Stanchev had been held until now.

The charges against Stanchev involve requesting and receiving a bribe of 8,000 euros, given in exchange for the illegal connection of a property in the village of Kosharitsa to the water supply network.

Investigation details

• Illegal practices: It was established that the connection was carried out without a contract, financial documents, or an official application.
• Interior Ministry operation: During the arrest of Stanchev and another individual near the village of Kosharitsa, large-scale searches were conducted at offices and private addresses.
• Evidence discovered: In the defendant's home, 33,000 euros in cash were found, as well as lists of names whose connection to the criminal activity is yet to be clarified.

For the crime in question, the law provides for up to six years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 10,000 BGN. The pre-trial proceedings have been underway since June 16 following witness testimony, and special intelligence gathering means were also used.