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Bulgarian anti-corruption efforts and investigations

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2026-09-19 13:29 UTC → 2026-09-21 05:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Bulgarian authorities are addressing significant corruption concerns through both new institutional structures and active criminal investigations. The newly established Anti-Corruption Commission, which began operations in August 2026, is preparing to inherit between 300 and 400 existing pre-trial proceedings from the State Agency for National Security (DANS). Commission Chairman Plamen Todorov noted that the body is currently in an organizational phase, meaning the transfer of files is pending the appointment and staffing of relevant directorates. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Interior is investigating large-scale corruption involving the laundering of millions of levs. Investigations are focusing on public procurement contracts dating back to 2020, with authorities examining approximately 900 corruption-related signals. One specific probe identified a scheme where four companies allegedly secured 99.5% of mantle procurement contracts through a conglomerate of related entities. Acting Secretary General Lyubomir Nikolov reported that approximately 400 million euros from such contracts were allegedly diverted through loans to purchase property, contributing to the initiation of over 250 criminal proceedings. Interior Minister Ivan Demerzhiev has further revealed that approximately 5 million euros in invoices were issued for 36 flights taken by Delyan Peevski using a plane linked to one of the investigated companies. Additionally, authorities are examining reports of low-income individuals moving millions of leva through banks and exchange offices during the lev-to-euro conversion period. In response to allegations from DANS regarding prosecutorial inaction, Acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova has requested a full report from the agency to ensure all signals are effectively investigated. Amid these developments, Bulgaria's ambassador to the UAE, Ivan Yordanov, has denied that his family or his father's business interests are linked to the investigated flight payments or the procurement scandals.

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