site.btaAnti-Corruption Commission to Investigate Finance Minister for Living for Free in Somebody Else's Apartment

107 POLITICS - VLADISLAV GORANOV - INVESTIGATION

Anti-Corruption Commission
to Investigate
Finance Minister for Living for Free in Somebody Else's Apartment


Sofia, November 23 (BTA) - The Prosecutor General's Office said Friday it has ordered a probe prompted by media reports that Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov has been living free of charge for years in a luxurious home in a high-end residential complex in Sofia.

Prosecutors are looking for possible use of government position for personal benefit or acceptance of gifts or benefits by an official in order to influence decisions in connection with his office.

The two offenses are punishable by up to three years imprisonment and up to six years imprisonment plus fines up to 5,000 leva, respectively.

The investigation of Goranov will be carried out by the Anti-corruption and Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Assets Commission.

The apartment where Goranov and his family are said to be living is reportedly owned by Kiril Domouschiev, the owner of a myriad of businesses in a variety of sectors, and president of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria.

Later on Friday, the Finance Minister came to Parliament and spoke to the press about his accommodation arrangements. He explained that he does not live in a property owned by Domuschiev and that it was his godfather and godfather to his two children who provided the apartment for his family to use back in 2012. He said that they have known each other for 20 years and there is no conflict of interest.

The Finance Minister believes the probe is "the usual step taken when there are suspicions of wrongdoing".

The details of Goranov's housing transpired after he subitted in April a required declaration about the assets he owns and gifts he has received. RY/ DT