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The European Prosecutor's Office announced that it is carrying out searches today in Sofia to investigate possible corruption and misuse of EU funds for the renovations in the center of the Bulgarian capital, "including the emblematic yellow cobblestones".

The accusations of this investigation under the name "The Road of Yellow Pavements" relate to the mismanagement of funds allocated to the Metropolitan Municipality for the renovation of the center, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, as well as possible corruption, with estimated damages of at least 3 million euros , the announcement stated.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office launched this investigation in the fall of last year, following media reports.

Contracts concluded between the Metropolitan Municipality and two commercial companies that won public contracts are being checked.

According to the investigation, in 2018, the first contract was concluded for the restoration of the center of Sofia (including "Tsar Osvoboditel" boulevard and "National Assembly" square).

In 2020, after payments were made, the contract was terminated by mutual agreement.

The stated reason is a discrepancy between the terms of the contract and the investment project.

Construction activities may damage the Central Military Club in Sofia, built in 1907, which has historical value.

However, around 3 million euros were paid to the contractor, without penalties for late payment, the EU prosecutor's office added.

The European Prosecutor's Office conducts over 140 investigations in our country for financial fraud

After the termination of this contract, the municipality signed a new contract with a new contractor, under the same conditions.

The new contractor has requested an upfront payment of around €750,000 to restore the yellow cobblestones, which are protected by the Heritage Act.

This amount has not yet been paid, the EU Prosecutor's Office notes.

It is added that the technical expertise requested by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has established that the pavers are poorly laid and there is also a cracked pavement.

The poor repair quality of the paving stones, made in 1908, together with the lack of inspections by the municipality, could create additional costs, according to financial documents provided to the EU prosecutor's office.

According to the investigation, the contractors submitted false documents with incorrect information certifying that the works were carried out in accordance with the specifications, which led to improper payments.

Today's investigative actions are being carried out by the GDBOP at five locations.

For the purposes of the investigation, the police seized documentation and electronic evidence related to the implementation of the project, the announcement states. 

European Public Prosecutor's Office

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