(Luxembourg, 28 February 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia (Bulgaria) has filed an indictment against two individuals suspected of defrauding the European Social Fund (ESF) and national co-financing, for a total amount of €66 750.
The defendants, the manager of a Bulgarian company and an accomplice acting as a project manager, are accused of submitting false information to the Bulgarian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy to fraudulently obtain funding intended to support employment opportunities for unemployed and inactive people.
The funds were granted under the Human Resources Development Operational Programme 2014-2020, aimed at fostering sustainable local employment. The project in question was intended to provide job opportunities, professional training, and qualifications to individuals seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.
However, the investigation has revealed that, in 2021 and 2022, false documents were created to give the impression that the project objectives were being met. These included falsified employment contracts and signatures, which were then submitted as part of the financial and technical reports required for final payment.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent Bulgarian court of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.