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(Luxembourg, 27 March 2024) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia (Bulgaria) filed an indictment against one suspect for subsidy fraud, following an investigation into projects for cultivating agricultural products, fully funded by the EU.
In January 2020, the suspect allegedly applied on behalf of three different companies to the State Fund Agriculture – Regional Directorate Plovdiv for EU funds from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) allocated to Bulgaria, under the scheme for coupled support for the cultivation of vegetables. In total, the funds the suspect applied to amount to €190 000.
According to the evidence, the suspect supplied several documents such as invoices for his sold production to prove the required minimum amount of produce. In the application, it was declared that a substantial production had been achieved on specified plots. However, the investigation revealed discrepancies between the declared production and the actual harvest obtained.
If found guilty, the defendant could be sentenced to up to 6 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to € 5000.
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.