site.btaEUR 57 Mln Absorbed for Border Protection

Sofia, August 10 (BTA) - Fifty-seven million euro has been absorbed for the protection of the border, Interior Minister Valentin Radev said on Thursday, reporting on his ministry's performance. "We are confident that we will manage to absorb all of the 160 million euro, now that the deadline has been extended," Radev said.

Among the ministry's accomplishments, he listed the establishment of special units to combat fraud, particularly phone cons. The ministry will join forces with other institutions to draw up measures against this type of crimes.

The fight against trafficking in people and cybercrime are among the priorities of the Interior Ministry. A corruption prevention programme has been launched, Radev said.

Illegal cigarette trade has been pushed down to its lowest levels, he reported.

A total of 778 police officers have been hired so far this year. The Interior Ministry will work to build video surveillance systems in all municipalities, Radev pledged.