Bulgaria Tobacco Monopoly Ex Head Conclusively Acquitted

Hristo Lachev was charged in 2008 with misappropriation of funds and tax evasion on a large scale. Photo by BGNES

The former CEO of state tobacco company Bulgartabac and his wife have been fully and conclusively acquitted of tax evasion charges in a trial that has dragged on over five years, it emerged on Friday.

Hristo Lachev and Mirela Lacheva were accused of not declaring all their income and avoiding paying taxes of over BGN 128 000 for the period 2004-2006.

Prosecutors also said Lachev has not legally declared properties in Sofia, Separeva Banya, Bansko and along the Black Sea coast.

After the charges were raised, Lachev paid all outstanding taxes, but the trial continued even though by that time it had become pointless.

Sofia City Court acquitted the couple in February 2010 and ruled that the cost of the proceedings and their bail would be paid by the Bulgarian state.

On Friday prosecutors said they have given up challenging the ruling.

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