site.btaHead of Sofia Regional Food Safety Directorate Charged with Official Malfeasance and Coercion

Sofia, July 14 (BTA) -The Director of the Sofia Regional Food Safety Directorate (Sofia RFSD), Dr. Anton Genov, has been charged with official malfeasance and coercion, the prosecution service said Friday.

According to the collected evidence, Genov ordered inspection and confiscation of property of two companies which stored used cooking oil from catering establishments as a source of biofuel. According to the prosecution, Genov overstepped his authority as such actions are within the powers of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water, not the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.

The investigation also established that Genov's aim was to secure gains for a third company, DUU EOOD, where his son was employed at that time.

Genov is also charged with trying to force the manager of a foreign-owned commercial corporation not to trade in the territory of Sofia. This company also stored used oil.

The Director of the Sofia RFSD was released on a 5,000 leva bail. He is not allowed to travel abroad.

The investigation of the case continues.