Two New SAPARD Indictments Brought to Court

Investigations on both cases were completed and indictments were submitted to court. "Both cases are related to misappropriations and misuse of SAPARD funding" district attorney Andrei Atanasov announced in Plovdiv (BGNES).

The first case regards construction of a dairy farm for milk processing. The funds amount to 400000 BGN. Prosecutor's office made a suggestion that the SAPARD Agency take action for reimbursement of the amount - 75% to 25% - for the EU funds and respectively - for the government. A check-up showed which should have been working for 5 years never functioned. The owner submitted forged documents and false invoices. 25 witnesses were questioned as part of the investigation.

Accusations have been brought for document fraud. The owner is a Bulgarian citizen and has no criminal record. The infringer has not been arrested. At the moment bail is set at 5000 BGN.

The second case is in regard with a document fraud at a particularly large scale. A firm for vegetable drying was established. The amount approved by the Agency equaled 612000 BGN. The owner had submitted forged documents on Act15 and Act 16. The investigation showed that the signatures of the certified technical experts had been forged.

The owner is form Sofia but he is engaged in business activities in Plovdiv. His shares in three firms have been distrained to secure the claims.

The owner was released on bail of 5000 BGN. He could be sentenced to 20 years of prison. District attorney's office suggested that SAPARD imposed compulsory refund of the amount. 20 witnesses were questioned.