Bulgaria’s Borissov Probed Over Money Laundering Allegations

GERB leader Boyko Borissov speaks at a-post-election press conference in Sofia, 5 April 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

The prosecution says there is now incriminating evidence that Bulgaria's PM for much of the time from 2009 to 2021 provided third parties with funds - acquired from crime - to purchase and rent real estate abroad. 

"I have not had, do not have and do not plan, to have any property in Spain," said Borissov who since coming first in inconclusive general elections on April 2, has sided with his former opponents in "We Continue the Change" WCC and its allies Democratic Bulgaria on plans for judicial reform, which would see the ousting of Geshev; his removal has long been sought by GERB's opponents as a guarantee before any possible collaboration. 

Under Geshev, the prosecution was hitherto passive about the allegations swirling around Borissov, but he has now activated the institution against the GERB leader.

In recent statements, Borissov hinted at possible vengeful motives, pointing out that the prosecution took no move against him when he had no political immunity from 2021 to the recent elections in April. 

In 2020, when Spanish media investigated the so-called "Barcelonagate" case, the prosecution did not act. The case has been mentioned in the Bulgarian media as early as 2016. 

On Wednesday, former Miss Bulgaria 2001 Ivayla Bakalova and former Lukoil director Valentin Zlatev were brought as witnesses and were questioned in the Sofia Prosecutor's Office on the case. "The prosecution long slept on the case, I'm glad it woke up," Bakalova told the media. 

The development is part of a dynamic change in Bulgaria's political landscape, and is happening just as GERB/United Democratic Forces and opponents in...