site.btaEuropean Public Prosecutor's Office Charges Bulgarian Entrepreneur with Subsidy Fraud involving Heating Systems

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Sofia Friday filed an indictment against an entrepreneur, accused of using false documentation to illegally obtain EUR 54,000 (BGN 106,047.49) in EU and national funds. The funds were aimed at purchasing heating systems, the EPPO said on its website.

According to the evidence, the defendant submitted a project proposal to Bulgaria's State Fund Agriculture to obtain support to his production activities of woodworking and furniture making, which included the replacement of a boiler and improvements to a high-efficiency heating system powered by wood and wood waste. The project is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) at a rate of 90%, and the state budget of Bulgaria at a rate of 10%.

The defendant had to present three independent offers for the construction of the heating installation. It is alleged that, in the proposal, the defendant presented false information, namely by falsifying the signature in one of the offers.

If proven guilty, the Bulgarian entrepreneur faces a sentence of up to six years of imprisonment and a fine of up to EUR 5,000 (BGN 10,000), the EPPO said.