Official position of "First Investment Bank"

With regard to the manipulative media publications on the "Bivol" site, reported by TV7 channel, we would like to state the following facts:

The allegations implying involvement of First Investment Bank AD in a fraud with EU funds in Romania are a lie. This is evidenced by official documents and by communications of the competent authorities.

According to an official release of the National Anti-Corruption Agency to the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Romania, published on 06/10/2015, the General Director, his deputy, and other officials have been arrested of APIA - the agency that organized the tender for supply of food to the needy in Romania. The communication of the prosecution, which is attached below, contains details of the case with reference to the accused and the reasons for their detention. It expressly states among the reasons for their detention the fact that APIA has transferred the amounts under the supply agreements not to an account in First Investment Bank AD, Sofia, as provided by the agreements, but to an account in the Bank of Cyprus (Cyprus).

As early as January 2013, First Investment Bank AD was the first to send, in a timely manner, a signal of disturbing circumstances in connection with the public procurement organized by APIA and its implementation.

The signal was sent to:

  • The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF);
  • The National Anti-Corruption Agency to the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Romania;
  • The State Agency for National Security (SANS);
  • The Special Prosecutor’s Office of Bulgaria.

Any other attempts at suggestions, provocations, or outright lies are unacceptable and First Investment Bank AD will use all legal means to protect its good name.

Attached you will find the following documents:

  1. Document 1
  2. Document 2
  3. Document 3
  4. Document 4