Borislav Sandov charged in Petrohan case

Former Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov has been charged with an official crime related to the ‘Petrohan’ case. The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office alleges that in 2022, Sandov exceeded his authority by signing a framework agreement between the Ministry of Environment and Water and the non-governmental organization ‘National Agency for Control of Protected Areas’ (NAKZT).

The prosecution claims this agreement transferred state control functions—specifically monitoring and oversight of measures in protected zones—to a private organization. It is further alleged that this arrangement provided the NGO with undue benefits, including access to lands near the ‘Todorini Kukli’ ridge in the Stara Planina mountains.

Sandov has denied the allegations, stating he has not yet received official notification from the prosecutor's office. He argued that the agreement does not grant the organization any state powers or obligations and does not provide access to specific lands, calling the prosecution's claims ‘absolutely untrue’. Sandov also expressed concern that the legal proceedings could be used for political purposes during upcoming election campaigns.