Bulgarian Prosecutor Alleges Crimes by Acting Attorney General
Sofia, Bulgaria – Temporarily suspended Bulgarian European Prosecutor Teodora Georgieva has filed a report with the Acting Minister of Justice, Andrey Yankulov, alleging possible crimes committed by Acting Attorney General Borislav Sarafov. The report centers around the distribution of recordings featuring Georgieva’s meetings with Petyo Petrov, a figure known for alleged influence within the Bulgarian judiciary.
Report Details and Allegations
Georgieva asserts that the anonymously distributed recordings have not been properly investigated. She believes the recordings were disseminated from the office of Acting Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarafov, citing the apparent editing of the recordings to exclude Sofia City Prosecutor Emilia Rusinova, who reportedly introduced Georgieva to Petrov.
“I insist that pre-trial proceedings be opened in order to carry out the relevant expertise that can prove these claims,” Georgieva stated on the “Na Fokus” program on Nova TV. Fakti.bg
Georgieva contends that an investigation will “categorically” demonstrate a connection between Delyan Peevski, Borislav Sarafov, Emilia Rusinova, and Petyo Petrov. She described the situation within the judicial system as indicative of “a serious illness,” identifying it as “corruption.”
Meetings with Petyo Petrov and Alleged Manipulation
Georgieva acknowledged meeting with Petyo Petrov on two or three occasions but dismissed claims of regular bribes as “complete fabrications, lies and slanders” intended to discredit her. Fakti.bg
The scandal surrounding the recordings surfaced a year ago, prompting Sarafov to announce an investigation, but no public information regarding its progress has been released. The European Prosecutor’s Office temporarily suspended Georgieva and initiated its own investigation following the release of the recordings, citing “serious violations” without providing specifics.
Pressure, Threats, and Security Concerns
Georgieva reported experiencing pressure and threats related to her investigations, including those concerning the gas storage facility in Chiren and alleged abuses at the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NKŽI). She also referenced a fire at her mother’s home, which resulted in her mother’s death, stating that pre-trial proceedings for murder are underway – a detail not officially reported by the Bulgarian Prosecutor’s Office. Fakti.bg
She also claimed to have been threatened with negative media coverage if she did not comply with certain instructions.
Connection to Delyan Peevski and Political Influence
The Ministry of Justice has received a report from Georgieva detailing “pressure, threats and undermining of the authority of the European Prosecutor’s Office by senior representatives of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Bulgaria and a political leader sanctioned for corruption by the US and United Kingdom.” BTA and Sofia Globe
While the political leader was not named in initial reports, the description aligns with Delyan Peevski, leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms – Latest Beginning, who has been sanctioned by the US and UK for alleged corruption. BTA and Sofia Globe
Georgieva alleges that Sarafov’s actions, including statements made to European prosecutors regarding alleged corruption in the Chiren case, have undermined the prestige of the Bulgarian judiciary within European institutions.
Current Status
The Ministry of the Interior has assigned security detail to Prosecutor Georgieva following the report of threats. Fakti.bg