The suspect is Teodora Georgieva, the Bulgarian representative at the European Public Prosecutor's Office. She has been part of the European judicial body since its inception and is known as an experienced magistrate. Her position within the EU team made her a key figure for cooperation between Sofia and Brussels.
The suspicions focus on contacts with organized criminal networks in Bulgaria. Bulgarian criminals have long had influence over the country's economy and politics and are linked to corruption, smuggling, and money laundering. Their role in cross-border crime is a concern for European institutions.
According to the official announcement, Georgieva is suspected of maintaining unauthorized relationships with Bulgarian criminals. Confidential information and internal processes are said to have been put at risk. The accusations were deemed serious enough to initiate both disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately took over her duties and temporarily assigned them to another prosecutor. Brussels aims to ensure the independence of ongoing investigations and prevent possible influence.
The case against Georgieva touches on a broader EU concern about the influence of organized crime in Bulgaria. For years, there has been criticism that the rule of law and the fight against corruption in the country are insufficient, which also puts European-Bulgarian cooperation programs under pressure.
Earlier reports from European institutions have pointed to entanglement between criminal networks and parts of the Bulgarian government. Especially in the judicial sector, questions were raised about independence and resilience against external pressure. The current case once again fuels doubts about whether reforms have delivered sufficient results.
The investigation is still in its early stages. Until a definitive outcome is reached, Georgieva formally retains her title but is not allowed to perform her duties.