SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgarian prosecutors say a former defense minister has been charged with abuse of power over a series of procurement contracts.
Nikolai Tsonev is the fourth senior official from the previous Socialist-led government to be charged or placed under investigation after Prime Minister Boiko Borisov's conservatives came to power in July promising to fight corruption.
The Sofia prosecutor's office said Tsonev was formally charged Friday.
Prosecutors say Tsonev approved contracts involving supplies of construction materials that were overpriced by euro6.6 million ($9.8 million).
There was no immediate reaction from the former minister, who could face up to 8 years in prison if convicted.
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