The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings on its own initiative following media reports detailing potential irregularities concerning the Road Infrastructure Agency and the provision of a free roadside assistance service. The investigation involves questioning witnesses and requesting documentation from the agency, focusing specifically on activities conducted by individuals outside the Ministry of Interior. The allegations center on an alleged scheme involving the unlawful subcontracting of road maintenance activities.
It is claimed that since 2025, the Road Infrastructure Agency has reportedly subcontracted the provision of 24/7 free roadside assistance to Unit Assist Ltd. Furthermore, the report alleges that Unit Assist Ltd. subsequently subcontracted this service to at least eleven other businesses.
The investigation suggests that this arrangement may be resulting in the siphoning of approximately BGN 14 million per month, which exceeds EUR 7 million. The publication also noted that the existence of the free service was allegedly not publicly disclosed to citizens by state institutions, despite its inclusion in road maintenance contracts dating back to at least 2014. Concerns were raised regarding attempts to establish a monopoly favoring Unit Assist, alongside claims of pressure exerted on competitors.
Adding context, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov stated on April 9 that the state intends to withdraw from what he termed a “non-core activity.” He indicated that
Topics: #road #free #roadside
The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has launched pre-trial proceedings independently, prompted by media reports alleging potential irregularities related to the Road Infrastructure Agency’s free roadsi
What specific irregularities are the prosecutors investigating regarding the roadside assistance service?