The case against the former mayor of Varna Ivan Portnih has started in the Sofia City Court. It is based on an indictment by the European Prosecutor's Office.
Portnih, the former regional governor of Varna Stoyan Pasev and two employees of the Executive Agency "Maritime Administration" are indicted for fraud related to the reconstruction of a non-existent fishing port.
The four are accused of falsifying documents and providing false information. The goal - according to the prosecution - was to illegally obtain 3.4 million euros under a project co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.