An investigation by the Anti-Corruption Fund (ACF) has identified potential irregularities concerning the awarding of nearly EUR 5 million in public procurement contracts for renovations and architectural supervision across four cultural institutions under the Culture Ministry. The affected venues include the Aleko Konstantinov State Satirical Theatre, the Drama Theatre in Lovech, the Small City Theatre Behind the Canal, and the NUKK in Sofia. A legal expert from the ACF noted that the review of tender procedures revealed multiple violations.
Specific issues included instances where winning companies lacked the mandatory recent experience required for similar scope projects. Furthermore, procedural lapses were noted, such as the evaluation committee disqualifying bidders for non-compliance with technical criteria after price proposals had already been opened. The ACF review highlighted significant potential conflicts of interest among the entities awarded the contracts, naming Crypto Energy EOOD, Multi Stroi Comers EOOD, and D&D OOD.
Public records indicate multiple associations between these firms, including shared directors and office locations. A key focus of the investigation involved the process at the Satirical Theatre, where ACF documentation revealed internal email correspondence. This correspondence allegedly provided the winning contractor with crucial contract details days before the official announcement, suggesting a violation of equal treatment in the public procurement process.
Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the involvement of two
Topics: #public #procurement #contracts
