Former Bulgarian DM Facing Contract Fraud Charges
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Published: 20 Nov 2009 15:07
SOFIA, Bulgaria - Bulgarian prosecutors charged former defense minister Nikolai Tsonev with abuse of power Nov. 20 over military equipment deals they claim defrauded the country of nearly $10 million.
Prosecutors accused Tsonev of ordering the signing of contracts with U.S. firm MIC Industries for the supply of a metals construction installation in early 2009 "to the detriment of the Bulgarian army."
They said the deal had caused damage to the state worth 12.9 million leva (about $9.8 million or 6.6 million euros) and deprived the Bulgarian Air Force of much needed cash to repair aircraft.
Tsonev joins a growing list of politicians in Bulgaria under investigation for fraud and corruption.
Two weeks ago, prosecutors were successful in their efforts to lift the parliamentary immunity of the former prime minister Sergey Stanishev, who now faces an investigation for the alleged leaking of sensitive information.
Former labor minister Emilia Maslarova faces an investigation in relation to the renovation of a ministry building, while ex-farming minister Valeri Tsvetanov was charged in September for abuse of power.
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