The branch of the European Prosecutor's Office in Sofia has brought charges against a suspect for fraud with European subsidies, the Luxembourg-based institution announced.
The charges stem from an investigation into farming projects funded entirely by the EU.
It is believed that in January 2020, the suspect submitted applications on behalf of three different companies to the Regional Directorate "Agriculture" - Plovdiv for financing with funds allocated to Bulgaria under the Guarantee Fund for Agricultural Projects. This was to be done under the scheme for production-linked support for vegetable cultivation. The total amount for which the suspect applied was 190,000 euros.
According to the evidence, he provided a number of documents such as sales invoices to prove the minimum production quantity. The application stated that there was significant production on certain parcels. However, the investigation found discrepancies between the declared production and the actual harvest.
If found guilty, the suspect could face up to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to €5,000.