Minister of Justice Nikolay Naydenov has formally requested disciplinary action against Varna-based notary Veselin Petrov following an investigation into property transactions in the “Baba Alino” locality. The Ministry of Justice announced that an inspection by the Inspectorate to the Law on the Judiciary uncovered significant irregularities in how the notary certified ownership rights for land and buildings in the area.
Findings of the Ministry of Justice Inspection
The investigation into Petrov’s professional activity revealed a systemic failure to provide the necessary legal justification for his actions. According to the Ministry, there was a documented lack of reasoned legal judgment and formal decrees required to issue property acts. These procedural lapses directly facilitated the registration of approximately 35 buildings situated on forest territory, along with numerous individual units within those structures.
Investigators noted that several notary files lacked the essential written evidence required to prove the basis for property acquisition. While the Ministry is currently reviewing the conduct of other notaries involved in the “Baba Alino” case, officials clarified that these ongoing inspections do not predetermine the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings against Petrov. A copy of the inspection protocol has been forwarded to the Council of Notaries, and Minister Naydenov has officially proposed that the chairman of the Notary Chamber initiate a formal disciplinary case.
Broader Legal Context and Ongoing Investigations
The case is part of a wider enforcement effort regarding illegal construction and property fraud in the region. Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev recently confirmed that nine separate criminal proceedings have been opened in connection with the “Baba Alino” case. During the initial police operation in Varna, authorities detained 25 individuals for 24-hour periods as part of the evidence-gathering process.
Minister Demerdzhiev stated that the Ministry of Interior intends to expand its scrutiny of “tolerance certificates”—documents used to legalize buildings—to other parts of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Ministry of Justice seeking sanctions against Veselin Petrov?
The Ministry identified significant procedural violations, including a lack of necessary legal evidence and reasoning, which led to the improper certification of 35 buildings on forest land.
What is the current status of the “Baba Alino” investigation?
According to Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev, there are nine active criminal proceedings, and authorities have secured more than 140,000 pages of evidence.
Will other notaries be investigated?
Yes, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that it is currently checking the work of other notaries in relation to the “Baba Alino” case, though no conclusions have been reached regarding those individuals at this time.
How should authorities best balance the need for property development with the protection of forest territories?
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