Bulgaria’s State Agency for Refugees is under intense scrutiny following revelations of deplorable conditions at a reception center and allegations of financial mismanagement. This comes amidst a separate, shocking discovery of illegal care homes, dubbed "houses of horrors," where dozens of vulnerable individuals were found subjected to severe mistreatment.
Refugee Agency Under Fire for "Unacceptable" Conditions
Ivan Ivanov, the newly appointed head of Bulgaria’s State Agency for Refugees, has initiated an urgent audit of the agency’s finances. His demand follows a visit to the "Voenna Rampa" Registration and Reception Center in Sofia, where he found conditions he described as "unacceptable," despite significant public funds reportedly spent on the facility.
- Financial Irregularities: Ivanov highlighted a lack of financial reporting, major budget irregularities, and unclear public procurement procedures within the agency.
- Substandard Living Conditions: Despite 600,000 leva (approximately 300,000 euros) reportedly spent over five years, the center, operating at only 18% capacity, offered conditions deemed unfit for human habitation.
- Call for Accountability: Ivanov emphasized the need for swift corrective measures and greater institutional accountability, stating, "These are not conditions in which any human being should be expected to live."
"Houses of Horrors" Uncovered
In a separate but equally disturbing development, Bulgarian officials rescued dozens of people from two illegal care homes in the east of the country. Justice Minister Georgy Georgiev described these facilities as "houses of horrors," where residents were subjected to brutal mistreatment.
- Victim Accounts: Testimonies revealed instances of victims being beaten, bound, and sedated. Some were locked in rooms without bedding, with window handles removed, and cut off from the outside world.
- Arrests Made: Five individuals have been arrested, and an investigation into "kidnapping, violence and negligence" is underway.
- Deplorable Conditions: Images released by the ministry showed the squalid conditions, with some elderly residents reportedly having their legs tied together.
- Ongoing Investigations: This discovery is linked to broader investigations into property fraud schemes targeting vulnerable individuals, highlighting a systemic issue within the country’s care facilities.
Broader Concerns and Past Tragedies
These incidents underscore long-standing criticisms regarding the poor state of health facilities in Bulgaria, the poorest country in the European Union. The lack of adequate legal facilities for the elderly has contributed to the proliferation of such illegal centers. Previous tragedies include:
- November 2021: Nine elderly people died in a nursing home fire near Varna.
- May 2022: Four more deaths occurred in a similar incident at another facility in the same region.
