Five criminal proceedings started in energy sphere

The prosecution has started 5 criminal proceedings after inspections in the energy sphere. Those were due to the large-scaled February protests against the high electricity bills, which later on turned into protests against poverty, monopolies and corrupted politicians.

The prosecution has found serious violations in the activity of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission, including low quality of the control over the three energy distribution companies, the Czech CEZ and Energo Pro and the Austrian EVN. The National Electricity Company is accused of willful neglect and illegal deals, while the economy ministry has committed a crime due to the lack of state interest’s protection in CEZ, where it is a stakeholder.

The prosecution has also discovered a violation of the Public Procurement Act, as far as CEZ activities are concerned. The violations and crimes in the energy sphere over the past few years have resulted in a significant and unlawful rising of the price of electricity for the final consumer, according to the prosecution.

Adapted from Bulgarian National Radio