site.btaCourt Acquits Businessman Ognyan Donev of Tax Evasion

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Court Acquits
Businessman Ognyan Donev
of Tax Evasion


Sofia, February 8 (BTA) - The Sofia City Court on Friday acquitted Sopharma CEO Ognyan Donev and the company's financial director, Boris Borissov, of tax evasion in a trial which lasted for three years.

The court's decision is appealable and the prosecution said it would appeal before a higher instance court.

The court rejected as unjustified two civil lawsuits filed by the Finance Ministry against Donev for 62 million leva and against Borissov for 7.5 million leva.

The prosecution had requested four years' imprisonment for Donev and his associate Borissov on tax evasion charges and later cast doubts over the impartiality of the court panel.

Donev told Bulgaria National Radio that he had never questioned his innocence and explained his troubles by rumours which began circulating in 2012 that he had plans to become prime minister. Donev predicted more investigations against him. LI/PP
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