The European Prosecutor's Office in Sofia charged four suspects, incl. the former mayor of Varna, Ivan Portnih, and the former regional governor of Varna, Stoyan Pasev, in a fraud related to the reconstruction of a fishing port. Portnich denies that this is true.
"There is currently some infrastructure at this location. The harbor itself is not functional as it is not suitable for such. Boats cannot enter. Not in use. Claims that there will be a fish market did not happen – the place is not suitable for this," Lora Georgieva from the Anti-Corruption Fund (AKF) said on Nova TV.
"It is about 8 million euros – this was taken under the project from the EU, plus 6 million from the budget. The charge is for 3.4 million, apparently they considered that something had been done," she specified.
"There is a beach with one pontoon. Floating pontoons are set up to take photos – it is decorated to look like there is a port," added Georgieva.
She specified that there is no way for the European Prosecutor's Office to work alone – it works in cooperation with the Bulgarian institutions. However, here the case is extremely clear to talk about a commissioned investigation.
"Some money was taken. They have been paid to construction companies, to retail companies. There is another version – there is a luxury neighborhood nearby. It would be convenient for cruise yachts to stop there," she speculates.
No indictment yet. The EP files the accusation and defends it in a courtroom. If he proves it, there could be a conviction of the mayor.