Three Detained in GDOP Operation in Yakoruda for EU Funds Fraud.
Three people were detained in a GDOP operation in Yakoruda, including the head of the Municipal Agriculture Service, her husband, and an employee. The investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office concerns the embezzlement of funds from a temporary employment program.
Bulgaria's General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) has carried out a large-scale police operation in the town of Yakoruda, uncovering an alleged scheme involving the fraudulent use of European Union funds.
Those detained include the head of the Municipal Agriculture Service, her husband and an employee of the local Labor Bureau. Investigative actions are ongoing at several locations.
The investigation concerns the alleged misuse of funds allocated under a temporary employment program. According to the evidence gathered so far, the head of the Municipal Agriculture Service's husband was listed as a beneficiary under the program, which is one of the circumstances being examined by investigators.
The pre-trial proceedings focus on the activities of an alleged organized criminal group suspected of systematically abusing temporary employment programs.
According to the initial findings, the suspected criminal activity was carefully planned. Investigators have currently identified damages totaling BGN 260,550 but believe the amount could increase as the investigation progresses and additional evidence is examined.
Authorities believe the currently identified losses may represent only a fraction of the total financial damage.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which investigates crimes affecting the European Union's financial interests, is overseeing the case. Investigators allege that the scheme enabled the unlawful receipt of EU funds through the temporary employment program.
The investigation remains under the direct supervision of European Delegated Prosecutors. Authorities are reviewing all documents related to the implementation of the program, while the EPPO and the competent Bulgarian institutions are expected to release additional information after the initial investigative actions are completed.