Misappropriation of 800,000 euros in funding from the EU Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development SAPARD

Police in Veliko Turnovo uncovered a criminal scheme which has resulted in the misappropriation of 800,000 euros in funding from the EU Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (SAPARD), the Regional Police Directorate said today.

Using counterfeit documents, a local businessman, who is also suspected of VAT fraud, obtained approval for a 4.5 million leva (2.3 million euro) SAPARD-backed project to build a wild fruit processing plant. Part of the funding, received unlawfully as a bank loan, was used to build an alcohol production facility, which is not among the types of facilities supported by SAPARD.

The police found that public officials in Sofia were involved in the scheme. The investigative records were handed over to the Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office.

BTA