Party cashier charged with loan fraud exceeding 807,000 euros

A 39-year-old woman, who worked as a cashier for a political party, has been charged with fraud related to the issuing of loans totaling over 807,000 euros, the prosecutor's office announced.

The investigation was initiated by the Sofia Directorate of the Interior following the broadcast of a report that revealed suspicious practices presented as a financial program of a political formation.

According to investigators, a scheme was in operation where dozens of Bulgarian citizens were persuaded to take out bank loans with the promise that they would subsequently receive funding through European programs. The largest identified loan taken out by a victim amounts to 125,000 euros, with total amounts for individual loans varying between 20,000 and 240,000 euros. The funding was provided by various banks.

To date, 25 victims have been identified in the case. Authorities specify that reports from citizens continue to be received, which is why the number of victims is expected to grow.

The collected evidence shows that the accused has no prior convictions. According to the Ministry of Interior, she used her official position as a cashier for a political party to gain people's trust, presenting herself as someone authorized to recruit candidates for European funding. The agency emphasizes that the political party itself has no connection to the fraudulent activity.

Following the broadcast of the television report, the woman was dismissed from her job.

The accused has been detained for up to 72 hours, and the prosecution will submit a request to the Sofia District Court to impose a permanent measure of "remand in custody."

Currently, the filed charge carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to eight years. If additional circumstances are established during the investigation, the charge may be refined to a more serious one, which provides for up to 10 years in prison and confiscation of half of the accused's property.