Private University in Bulgaria Allegedly Functions as a Covert Illegal Immigration Scheme
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Loading... - Masika Khaled
- 05 Mar 2025
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A private university in Bulgaria has been accused of operating as a front for an illegal immigration scheme, having abandoned legitimate educational activities several years ago. Education Minister Krasimir Valchev made these claims during a parliamentary committee meeting, stating that the European Polytechnic University has no active students and does not employ any faculty or administrative staff.
According to Valchev, the institution has transformed into a gateway for migration into the European Union and the visa-free Schengen travel zone. He noted that the majority of individuals associated with the university are from Nigeria, with only about 10% of them actually residing in Bulgaria. This alarming situation was highlighted during discussions on Bulgaria's budget for 2025.
Investigative Challenges
Valchev reported that inspectors from the Ministry of Education have faced significant challenges in investigating the university. They were reportedly expelled from the premises in Pernik, a town located west of Sofia, on two separate occasions. Despite these obstacles, Valchev asserted that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the university's facilities have been largely abandoned.
He pointed to the university's low utility bills as indicative of its lack of activity. For instance, he mentioned that electricity bills during the summer average around 50 leva, and in winter, about 100 leva—sufficient only to power a couple of air conditioners and a security system. Additionally, the university's water usage was reported to be a mere nine cubic meters per year, comparable to that of a single household.
Loss of Accreditation and Legal Loopholes
The European Polytechnic University, which is owned by the Italian educational group Pegaso International, lost its accreditation several months ago. However, due to existing legal loopholes and an 18-month ‘correction period,’ the institution has been allowed to continue operating despite its questionable status.
In response to this situation, Valchev has proposed amendments to the Higher Education Act aimed at streamlining the process for closing potentially fraudulent educational institutions. This move is intended to prevent similar cases in the future and ensure that educational standards are upheld in Bulgaria.
The allegations against the European Polytechnic University raise serious concerns about the integrity of educational institutions in Bulgaria and their potential misuse for illegal immigration purposes. As the government seeks to address these issues, the proposed legislative changes may play a crucial role in safeguarding the educational landscape and preventing exploitation of legal loopholes.
