Bulgaria has shared with the United States information related to alleged schemes used to bypass sanctions imposed under the Global Magnitsky Act, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev announced, saying cooperation between Bulgarian and U.S. authorities will continue.
Demerdzhiev said Sofia had provided American institutions with information it believes is relevant to how sanctioned individuals have allegedly evaded restrictions in Bulgaria. "We provided information that we considered relevant and of interest to the American side regarding the circumvention of sanctions by individuals sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act in Bulgaria. We agreed that this exchange of information will continue in the future within the framework of the data we have," he said, noting that details of the meetings remain confidential under U.S. procedures.
The interior minister added that the materials will also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. According to him, Bulgarian authorities will present the available evidence to senior officials there, who will determine whether the information justifies action within their jurisdiction.
Demerdzhiev said the investigation extends well beyond individual flights or isolated financial transactions. Instead, it focuses on broader mechanisms allegedly used by sanctioned individuals to retain control of assets through intermediaries, companies, and other nominees. "We are talking about the acquisition or use of property by sanctioned persons through other people. We are checking where the funds come from, how this property is acquired, and whether concealing the real owner or user does not constitute a crime," he explained.
