US updates list of bulgarians sanctioned under Magnitsky Act

The US Department of the Treasury (USDT) has published on its website an updated list of persons sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

The USDT’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned five current or former Bulgarian officials: Rumen Ovcharov, Alexander Hristov Nikolov, Ivan Genov, Nikolay Malinov and Vladislav Goranov, for their extensive involvement in corrupt activities in Bulgaria. This is stated in a press release of the Finance Ministry, distributed by the US Embassy in Sofia.

OFAC also designated four entities owned or controlled by Malinov, as well as an entity owned or controlled by Goranov. These individuals and entities are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

“The United States supports our NATO ally Bulgaria in its fight against both entrenched corruption and Russian influence, which undermine democratic institutions,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.

“The behavior exposed today spans political parties and administrations, highlighting the urgent need to dismantle the networks that have for years perpetuated illicit activities, especially in the energy sector. Corruption robs the Bulgarian people of hundreds of millions of dollars and hinders investment and economic growth in the country,” he said.