Bulgaria

Bulgaria commits to actively investigating the link between corruption and organised crime. Organised criminals use the proceeds from illicit market activities and contraband to influence the judiciary, law-enforcement, central and local government, and the media in order to facilitate their criminal activities, launder proceeds, or win public contracts for their legal fronts. Profits from public contracts awarded to companies linked to organised crime are used to finance VAT fraud schemes or the illicit trade in excise tax goods or drugs. Seizing the profits of organised criminals and denying access to public contracts of their front companies is key to tackling corruption.

Bulgaria commits to exposing illicit financial flows through lifting the veil of secrecy over who owns and controls companies. It already has made public its registry for companies registered under its own jurisdiction and supports internationally recognised measures that ensure accurate and timely information on foreign registered beneficial ownership is made available to all those who need it.