site.btaInterior Ministry, Bulgarian Posts Boost Security Measures for Exchange of BGN into EUR in Small Towns

Contracts have been signed for the delivery of all machines, including coin counters and banknote counters, lamps, banknote detectors, vacuum devices, barcode scanners, and readers for Bulgarian Posts, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov on Thursday during a meeting of the Coordination Mechanism for Monitoring and Control of the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria, the press service of the Council of Ministers said.

Karadjov pointed out that the software products related to the exchange process are currently being finalized. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the routes of the cash collection vehicles are being updated, noting that this logistical activity will require an increase in the number of people. Karadjov also noted that training sessions for Bulgarian Posts employees have been held together with representatives of the Bulgarian National Bank. At a meeting with the management of the Ministry of Interior, all risks that could arise around post offices were discussed, as well as plans to protect the security of citizens when exchanging money.

Deputy Interior Minister Filip Popov said that 31 teams of economic police and investigators had been formed to monitor fraud and violations during the exchange of BGN for EUR. He added that the Ministry of Interior is actively working against the spread of counterfeit banknotes and internet fraud, with over 600 operations already carried out and 100 pre-trial proceedings initiated. A visible police presence will be ensured for the security of cash transportation in Bulgarian Posts branches, and security measures will be strengthened in small towns if necessary.

The Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency, Rumen Spetsov, reported that businesses are ready for the introduction of the euro in terms of cash registers, electronic systems, and fiscal memory systems. “According to the changes set out in the Introduction of the Euro Act, the deadline for introducing dual labeling and cash register receipts with prices in BGN and EUR before penalties are imposed is October 8, which gives 100% certainty that all devices will meet the requirements,” Spetsov said.

Over the next few weeks, an information campaign on the adoption of the euro in Bulgaria will be rolled out, with the aim of gradually reaching a large part of the population throughout the country.