(Luxembourg, 17 February 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia (Bulgaria) filed an indictment today against four suspects, accused of fraudulently obtaining employment benefits for people with disabilities.
According to the investigation, two companies were registered for the sole purpose of participating in an EU programme, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), aimed at integrating persons with permanent disabilities in the labour market, thus increasing their social inclusion. The evidence showed that the defendants had no intention of carrying out real commercial activity or of providing jobs to the persons from the target groups. Instead, the whole scheme was aimed at illegally obtaining EU funds earmarked for salaries of the fictitious employees.
With the help of an accomplice, three managers of the companies falsely certified that they hired people from the target groups, while in reality they were not performing any activities. In addition, the defendants demanded that the fictitious employees pay back to them more than half of the salary they were due, in cash, to leave no trace of the fraud.
The funds received by both companies amount to €42 621 (BGN 83 359).
If proven guilty, the defendants face sentences between two to eight years of imprisonment.
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.