13 August 2026 , 22:22
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The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia (Bulgaria) has filed an indictment against a vineyard owner suspected of attempting to obtain €348 231.64 in EU funding on the basis of false information.
The investigation concerns an application for financial support submitted in November 2023 under the “Restructuring and Conversion of Vineyards” intervention, financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF).
Evidence shows that the suspect applied for EU funding for a project involving the planting of new vineyards, the reconstruction of support structures and the installation of a drip irrigation system in the Yambol region.
According to the investigation, the suspect falsely declared that harvest declarations had been submitted for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 wine-growing years with the intention to secure €348 231.64 in EU funding. However, the investigation established that no declaration for the production of wine grapes had been submitted for the 2020 wine-growing year to the competent national authority.
No funds were paid out thanks to the early detection of the attempted fraud.
If found guilty, the suspect could face up to six years of imprisonment and a payment of a fine of up to €5000.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Bulgarian courts of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.
Head of Investigations