(Luxembourg, 17 October 2024) – On Tuesday, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia (Bulgaria) filed an indictment in the Sofia City Court against three individuals, accused of fraud related to a project involving plastic products, co-funded by the EU.
Our investigation indicates that the three individuals colluded to submit false information, in order to obtain financial support for a project for the purchase of automated production lines for plastic goods, for an amount of €196 000 (BGN 384 014) – co-funded to up to 85% by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and 15% by Bulgaria’s national budget.
In order to be able to benefit from EU funds, the beneficiary had to submit offers for the purchase of the equipment from three different companies. Based on the evidence, one of the offers was falsified, with the help of an accomplice working for a company ostensibly submitting a bid. The investigation showed that the managers of that company did not authorise the offer, nor were they aware that it had been presented.
The forged document was submitted to the managing authority, the State Fund for Agriculture (SFA), with the sole intent of unlawfully obtaining EU funds, by making it appear that the three mandatory offers had been obtained.
The funds were not paid to the beneficiary, as the managing authority detected irregularities and reported them to the EPPO, which initiated an investigation.
If convicted, the defendants face between one and six years of imprisonment, as well as a fine between approximately €1 000 (BGN 2 000) to €5 100 (BGN 10 000).
All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent Bulgarian courts of law.
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.