„They accuse me of financial practices that I consulted with them. They told me to do them. They were not an expense to the municipal enterprise, and now they are charging it to me. I appointed a person who did not have a master's degree in finance, but had a bachelor's degree. It is possible that it was a technical error. There are no financial violations that would be the subject of a crime.“
This was stated by the fired director of the capital's enterprise "Cemetery Parks" Rumen Dimitrov.
The Anti-Corruption Inspectorate of the Sofia Municipality has launched an investigation based on a report filed at the end of March.
“The established illegal practices in the management of the municipal enterprise “Cemetery Parks“ are contrary to all rules that exist for the management of any public property and budget.“, said Yana Georgieva, secretary of the Sofia Municipality.
The investigation found illegal and non-transparent spending of public funds, non-compliance with budget discipline, appointment of persons without the necessary education and experience, as well as lack of control over the processing of personal data.
“We have not established any damage to the company at this time. The report we have prepared has been sent to the prosecutor's office. They must continue their actions in order to establish everything in full as an investigative body.“, Georgieva added.
The municipality also claims that people without the necessary education and experience were appointed to “Cemetery Parks“.
The disciplinary dismissed director of the Sofia cemeteries stated that he will appeal the decision to remove him from his post.
A competition for a new director of the Sofia cemeteries is about to be announced.
In accordance with legal requirements, while observing the principle of zero tolerance for corruption and suspicions of corruption, the mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev has taken the necessary actions. Rumen Dimitrov has been disciplinary dismissed, effective May 11, 2026. The report from the inspection has been submitted to the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office for taking the necessary statutory actions.
The creation of the "Anti-Corruption Inspectorate" department is part of the new management structure of the Sofia Municipality and aims to strengthen internal control, prevention and timely response to suspected irregularities.
“When a violation of the law is established, the actions are clear and not subject to interpretation. Control must work and will work - without exceptions”, commented the Mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev.