BULGARIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE CONFISCATED FAKE BANKNOTES THAT WERE PURPORTEDLY INTENDED FOR USE AS PARTY DECORATIONS.

Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev praised the police for discovering a facility producing millions of counterfeit US dollars and euros.

Two individuals charged in Bulgaria insisted that the forged currency was intended for use as decorations at events such as parties and weddings, according to Nova TV.

The authorities found approximately 4 million US dollars and 3.6 million euros in fake banknotes at an illicit printing plant situated within the Todor Kableshkov Higher School of Transport in Sofia.

They suspect that the school staff may have been unaware of these activities and are investigating potential connections to a larger international criminal network.

Nevertheless, the accused individuals, 48-year-old Iliya Nenov and 54-year-old Daniela Andonova claimed that the banknotes were merely decorative items.

They asserted that they lacked the technology necessary to produce authentic counterfeit notes and watermarks, using an outdated printer from 1987.

Additionally, they presented a rental contract for the space at the school where they conducted their business. The suspects have been released by the court in the meantime.

Ivan Geshev, present during the operation, commended the authorities for uncovering such a significant sum. In a YouTube video on March 16, he said, “This is probably one of the largest sums that have ever been found. That’s some serious work, congratulations.”

He further expressed support for Bulgarian law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the financial interests of EU and US partners via a tweet.

Geshev’s involvement in this event is part of a larger context. Since assuming office in late 2019, his nomination process faced criticism and led to protests and demands for judicial reform.

Geshev has been a subject of opposition criticism, accused of serving government interests, and was a focal point of anti-government protests in the summer of 2020.

During his tenure, Geshev has made controversial statements, referring to himself as an “instrument in the hands of God” in interviews and expressing skepticism towards the concept of the separation of powers.

Known for his distinctive Lenin-style cap worn during media appearances, Geshev frequently attends arrests and operations conducted by the Prosecution, often engaging with victims or praising the institution’s actions, particularly in smaller towns.

In another contentious move, he participated in an operation in the town of Silistra in August, targeting a children’s center allegedly serving as an illegal black market for cigarettes and alcohol, a move that received mixed reactions.