Vanya Stefanova ordered investigations into the foreign assets of 27 magistrates in 2019, according to documents obtained by the investigative outlet Bird.bg. The probe, which scrutinized undeclared real estate and offshore bank accounts, remained undisclosed until former Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov publicly questioned the existence of such a list in 2021.
How the “Rashkov List” Investigation Began
The investigation into the 27 magistrates originated from a decree signed by Vanya Stefanova during her tenure as a prosecutor at the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor’s Office. According to Bird.bg, the probe involved collaboration between tax authorities and the then-Commission for Counteracting Corruption and Acquisition of Illegally Acquired Property (KPCONPI).
The inquiry focused on potential financial discrepancies, specifically targeting undeclared property and financial instruments held abroad. While the investigation concluded without finding formal violations, the results were never made public. Officials justified this secrecy by labeling the findings as classified information.
The term “Rashkov’s List” became a common label for this case after former Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov alleged in 2021 that the prosecution had withheld information regarding magistrates with undeclared assets.
Why the Lack of Transparency Raised Concerns
The primary point of contention, as cited by Boyko Rashkov, was whether the information gathered during the 2019 probe was being utilized as leverage. Rashkov questioned if the data served as a tool for pressure or potential blackmail against members of the judiciary, rather than as a legitimate path to prosecution.
Former Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov later attempted to contextualize the findings. In a public interview, Tsatsarov stated that the data regarding foreign assets was merely “operational information,” which necessitated a verification process. Despite this explanation, the lack of a formal, transparent conclusion fueled ongoing public debate regarding the integrity of the oversight process.
What Was Revealed in the Published Files
Although the prosecution maintained the secrecy of the files for years, Bird.bg published the list in 2023. The documents indicated that the assets in question were primarily bank accounts located abroad, alongside a limited number of real estate holdings in Greece and Belgium.
Comparison of Official Stance vs. Investigative Reporting
| Source | Claim/Characterization |
|---|---|
| Prosecution (via Sotir Tsatsarov) | Data was “operational information” only; no violations found. |
| Bird.bg | Probed 27 magistrates; verified assets included accounts and property in Greece/Belgium. |
FAQ
- Who authorized the investigation into the magistrates?
According to Bird.bg, Vanya Stefanova issued the decree for the investigation while she was a prosecutor at the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor’s Office. - Why were the results of the investigation kept secret?
The prosecution stated that the findings were classified information, preventing public disclosure of the results. - What kind of assets were investigated?
The probe examined undeclared real estate, bank accounts, and shares held in foreign countries.
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