(Luxembourg, 1 December 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia (Bulgaria) filed an indictment today against the former mayor and the ex-governor of Varna, as well as two public officials from the Executive Agency Maritime Administration, for fraud relating to the reconstruction of a fishing port that did not exist.
The four are accused of forging official documents and providing false information in order to unlawfully obtain €3.4 million in EU and national funds for a project aimed at improving the infrastructure of a purported fishing port on the outskirts of Varna, submitted by the Municipality of the city (the beneficiary). According to the investigation, however, no such port existed at the time the funding application was submitted.
Based on the evidence, the plots of land included in the application as an existing port were in fact registered in the cadastral plan of Varna as rocks, sand and other type of buildings. The investigation showed that the beneficiary assembled several pontoons as floating piers, with the sole purpose of registering the site as an existing harbour. With the help of public officials from the Executive Agency Maritime Administration, the plots ended up being registered as a port.
The estimated damage to the EU budget is approximately €2.8 million (BGN 5 603 035.97), with an additional estimated damage to the national budget of €675 475 (BGN 1 321 115.78).
If found guilty, the former mayor and ex-governor face between two to eight years’ imprisonment. The other defendants face up to five years’ imprisonment. The court may also prohibit the defendants from holding certain state or public offices.
The case was first reported to the EPPO by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), after suspicions of possible serious irregularities and fraud. OLAF also provided support to the investigation. The General Directorate National Police of Sofia (ГДНП) conducted further investigative measures.
All persons involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Bulgarian courts of law.
The EPPO is an 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.