Bulgarian Prosecutor Suspended Amidst Corruption Allegations and Claims of Political Interference

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has temporarily suspended Bulgarian prosecutor Teodora Georgieva, initiating an internal investigation into potential misconduct. This action, announced on Thursday, marks the first suspension and internal investigation of its kind in the EPPO’s four-year history, highlighting the office’s commitment to maintaining its independence while investigating serious fraud within the European Union.

Investigation into Potential Misconduct

The EPPO launched an administrative inquiry into Georgieva’s conduct following reports in Bulgarian media alleging links between the prosecutor and an alleged criminal, Petyo Petrov, known as “Euroto.” The EPPO declined to comment further on the specifics of the investigation .

Allegations of Corruption and Connections to “Euroto”

According to reports, Georgieva is alleged to have been close to Petyo Petrov and to have received money from him. Prosecutors have cited three witnesses supporting these claims . Specifically, it has been alleged that Georgieva received BGN 10,000 per month from Petrov .

Georgieva’s Claims of Political Pressure

Georgieva has publicly stated that she felt pressured in relation to a high-profile investigation into the expansion of the Chiren gas storage facility. She accused Delyan Peevski, a member of the Bulgarian parliament, of threatening to halt her indictment of a former energy minister involved in the project. Georgieva also reported a fire at her family home, in which her mother died and is investigating it as potential arson, and stated that EPPO provided her with additional protection following the incident .

Reported Meetings at “The Eight Dwarfs” Restaurant

Sofia City Prosecutor Emilia Rusinova allegedly took Georgieva to the restaurant “The Eight Dwarfs,” owned by Petyo Petrov, on two or three occasions during the period the scandalous recording was released . Rusinova’s office has stated it will not comment on Georgieva’s statements .

Signal for Investigation Against Chief Prosecutor

Georgieva has filed a report with the acting Minister of Justice, Andrey Yankulov, requesting an investigation into both the acting Chief Prosecutor, Borislav Sarafov, and Sofia City Prosecutor Emilia Rusinova, alleging potential malfeasance in office. This request stems from the dissemination of recordings of meetings with Petyo Petrov . She has requested an expert analysis of the recordings, claiming that no such analysis has been conducted to date .