The District Prosecutor's Office in Stara Zagora has filed an indictment with the local district court against Ivan Markov and Gocho Hristov, former executives of Bulgaria's largest coal mining company, Maritsa Iztok Mines EAD.

The two former directors of the state-owned firm face accusations of breach of duty for personal gain through public procurement fraud.

Markov and Hristov allegedly divided public procurement orders for construction works in parts valued at up to BGN 100 000, which allowed them to sidestep the mandatory open tendering procedure under the Public Procurement Act and assign contracts to companies of their choice.

In the period May 20, 2007 - May 18, 2009, Markov and Hristov acted in complicity, committing breach of duty in public office and inflicting damages worth BGN 396 603.49 to Maritsa Iztok Mines EAD.

Apart from that, in the period October 31, 2006 - June 16, 2008, Gocho Hristov was involved in activities contradicting his public servant status, through which he caused damages totaling BGN 592 265.99 to the company.

The total damage has been estimated at BGN 988 869.48.

If found guilty, the two face penalties of 1 to 8 years of imprisonment.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!