Bulgaria: Entrepreneur fined for attempted subsidy fraud involving car repair shop

(Luxembourg, 11 April 2024) – This week, an entrepreneur was fined by the Sofia District Court (Bulgaria) for attempted subsidy fraud and forgery of documents involving a car repair shop, following an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). 

The defendant, on behalf of her company, had submitted an application to Bulgaria’s State Fund for Agriculture, under the measure ‘Investments in support of non-agricultural activities’, in order to obtain funding to build and equip a car repair shop, amounting to approximately €200 000 (BGN 391 159) – 85% of which was to be granted by the European Union and 15% by the Bulgarian state. However, the investigation established that the defendant submitted forged documents, including false certificates of education, falsified building permits and forged offers to purchase equipment, in order to obtain the funds.

As a result of the investigation, the funds were not paid out, preventing a damage of €200 000 to the EU and Bulgaria’s national budget. 

The court imposed a fine of BGN 3000 (approximately €1 500). This penalty is the result of a plea agreement, as the defendant pleaded guilty to all charges, and there was no material damage to the EU budget.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (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.