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Bulgarian railway authorities halt 355 million euro procurement amid fraud suspicions
Bulgarian Transport Minister Georgi Peev announced that the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) has halted procurement procedures exceeding 355 million euros and terminated contracts worth over 20 million euros following audits that revealed suspected abuses.
The audits identified several irregularities within NRIC, including procedures lacking secured funding, tender conditions that appeared to favor a single bidder, and instances where all offers exceeded the estimated budget. Additionally, investigations into Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) uncovered irregularities concerning contract changes and the procurement of rolling stock, which have been referred to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
These findings have led to the opening of 17 files at the European Public Prosecutor's Office. One specific investigation is reportedly looking into the suspected embezzlement of EU funds, including transfers to shell companies and cash withdrawals.
In related transport news, Minister Peev noted that cooperation with North Macedonia on Corridor VIII is progressing and mentioned that Bulgaria expects to acquire a specialized search and rescue vessel by the end of 2029.
Entities
Bulgarian State Railways · European Anti-Fraud Office · European Public Prosecutor's Office · Georgi Peev · Ministry of Transport · National Railway Infrastructure Company
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cooperation with North Macedonia on Corridor VIII is progressing. novini247.com · www.vesti.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] Bulgaria expects to have a specialized search and rescue vessel by the end of 2029. ruse.news · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg · burgasmedia.com · trafficnews.bg
- [● 3 SOURCES] Irregularities were found in Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) regarding rolling stock procurement and contract changes. ruse.news · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] Procedures exceeding 355 million euros have been halted at the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC). ruse.news · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg · burgasmedia.com · trafficnews.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] Contracts worth over 20 million euros have been terminated. ruse.news · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg · burgasmedia.com · trafficnews.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] Audits have resulted in 17 files being opened at the European Public Prosecutor's Office. ruse.news · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg · burgasmedia.com · trafficnews.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is investigating BDZ irregularities. ruse.news · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg · burgasmedia.com · trafficnews.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] One investigation involves suspected embezzlement of EU funds, transfers to shell companies, and cash withdrawals. ruse.news · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg · burgasmedia.com · trafficnews.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] NRIC procedures included lack of secured funding and criteria favoring a single bidder. burgasmedia.com · ruse.news · trafficnews.bg · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] Audits revealed irregularities in Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) regarding rolling stock procurement and contract changes. burgasmedia.com · ruse.news · trafficnews.bg · novini247.com · www.vesti.bg