site.btaTwo Bulgarians Indicted for Fraud Involving Waste Treatment Facilities

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia has filed an indictment against two executives of a company suspected of fraud in a public procurement project. The latter is worth approximately EUR 3.46 million and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aimed to build waste treatment facilities in Asenovgrad, Southern Bulgaria.

According to the investigation, in 2022, the suspects allegedly submitted false information about the professional experience of a key team member to secure the contract for the construction of a composting facility for green and biodegradable household waste and a facility for the preliminary treatment of mixed household waste in Asenovgrad. The company received an advance payment of EUR 412,000, split between the ERDF and Bulgarian national funds. The alleged fraud was uncovered during an inspection by the Managing Authority of the Operational Programme “Environment,” and the case was referred to the EPPO in February 2023. Following the discovery, the contract was terminated in April 2023, and the company reimbursed nearly the entire advance payment.

If found guilty, the suspects will face penalties of two to eight years of imprisonment, in accordance with Bulgarian law. The General Directorate National Police supported the investigation.

The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.