An investigation conducted by the Anti-Corruption Fund (ACF) has identified potential irregularities concerning several public procurement contracts valued at nearly EUR 5 million. These contracts relate to renovation and architectural supervision services at four cultural institutions under the Culture Ministry in Sofia, Lovech, and Sofia. Daniela Peneva, a legal expert at the ACF, stated that an analysis of the tender procedures revealed numerous violations of established tender conditions.
The review found that in five of the eight reviewed contracts, the winning companies lacked the requisite experience, failing to demonstrate similar project scopes within the preceding five years. Furthermore, one winning bidder was noted to have failed to meet the stipulated financial criteria. The investigation highlighted potential conflicts of interest and procedural flaws.
The ACF noted that two companies awarded the contracts—Crypto Energy EOOD and Multi Stroi Comers EOOD—share common links, including the same physical address in Sofia and an association with an individual named Petar Dyulgerov. A significant concern raised involved the involvement of two lawyers, Ivan Sotirov and Kristian Sotirov, who served as external experts to prepare documentation and sit on evaluation committees. The ACF presented evidence, including an email from Ivan Sotirov, suggesting that key contract information was shared with the eventual contractor, Crypto Energy EOOD, at least six days before the official announcement.
This, the ACF
Topics: #public #procurement #contracts
