Bulgarian MP Indicted over Damages to State Agency

The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office has submitted an indictment against Svetla Bachvarova-Piralkova over disadvantageous transactions harming the state in her quality as a former agency official.

In March, Bulgarian Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov submitted to Parliament a request that her immunity be revoked, to which the MP agreed.

Allegedly, she closed in August 2009 a "disadvantageous transaction" with Litex Commerce AD while being Chair of the Board at the Agricultural Academy (an office she assumed between 2008 and 2001).

The academy operates with public funds earmarking them for research related to agriculture, livestock breeding, and the food industry. Estimated damages amount to some BGN 1.326 M, or EUR 0.68 M.

Litex Commerce is a company that was set up by controversial businessman Grisha Ganchev and deals with diverse activities such as car manufacturing, sure trade, construction, oil trade, energy, transport and agriculture, among others.

Bachvarova-Piralkova is currently placed under a recognizance order.