Large-scale police operation in Bourgas against VAT siphoning off

Large-scale police operation in the sea side city of Bourgas targeting VAT siphoning off. A company based in Aytos, represented by a 47-year-old Bulgarian citizen, was found to be importing large quantities of construction materials from Turkey, Greece, Romania and other EU countries.

In order to evade payment of tax duties, the goods were documented as passing through various "shell" companies run by persons without assets. The goods were unloaded in warehouses owned by the Aytos-based company.

So far, it has been established that the losses to the state budget resulting from the above mentioned scheme amount to more than BGN 1,800,000 since April alone.

There are indications that, in addition to undervalued construction materials, the imported bricks, timber, various types of iron, etc., do not meet European Union standards and may create a hazard in the construction of both buildings and industrial facilities.

Urgent pre-trial proceedings have been initiated in the case. The procedural and investigative actions on the territory of Bourgas, Aytos, Stara Zagora, Panagyurishte and Sofia continues.

Images by District Directorate of the Ministery of Interior, Bourgas