US Ambassador Lauds Bulgaria's New Asset Forfeiture Law

US Ambassador in Sofia James Warlick has officially congratulated Bulgaria's government for the passage of the new law authorizing confiscation of illegal assets. Photo by BGNES

US Ambassador in Sofia James Warlick has applauded the passage of the new Asset Forfeiture law in Bulgaria.

In an official statement, sent to the media by the US Embassy, Warlick voices satisfaction from the move:

"I want to congratulate the Government of Bulgaria on the passage of the new asset forfeiture law last night.  Strong, non-conviction based asset forfeiture legislation is an essential tool in the fight against organized crime and is therefore something the United States has supported.  I am very pleased with the steps taken yesterday and hope that the new legislation will be implemented as quickly as possible," the diplomat's statement reads.

Bulgarian MPs approved the bill at second reading at 10:30 pm Thursday evening. It happened after heated debates and clashes with the opposition during five parliamentary sessions and extending the work hours until midnight on three occasions.

Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, thanked late Thursday evening the Members of the Parliament from his ruling party GERB for turning the controversial bill authorizing confiscation of illegal assets into law.

Borisov told the MPs that thanks to them the government will remain in power since he recently declared he would resign if the bill is not passed by the Parliament.