Prosecutor's Office and Anti-Corruption Commission investigate contract with Botas

The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office is conducting pre-trial proceedings regarding the contract between Bulgargaz and the Turkish state-owned gas company Botas, the prosecutor's office's press center announced. Actions are being taken at the Ministry of Energy, at the companies Bulgargaz and Bulgartransgaz, as well as at addresses of individuals.

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov ordered full cooperation with the investigation conducted jointly by the prosecutor's office and the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Ministry of Energy announced. All available documents and information will be provided.

The gas supply contract with Botas is for a period of 13 years and if the reserved supply capacity is not used, Bulgargaz pays over 500,000 euros in penalties to the Turkish side every day. The contract was signed at the end of 2022.