The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings based on a media report detailing alleged irregularities within the Road Infrastructure Agency concerning the provision of free roadside assistance. The ongoing investigation involves questioning witnesses and requesting documentation from the agency to gather and verify evidence. The focus of the inquiry, according to the Prosecutor’s Office, is on actions undertaken by private individuals rather than direct Ministry of Interior employees.
The report centers on an alleged scheme of unlawful subcontracting related to road maintenance activities, suggesting that funds amounting to at least BGN 14 million per month have been improperly diverted. Specifically, the allegations state that since 2025, the Road Infrastructure Agency has reportedly subcontracted the provision of 24/7 free roadside assistance to Unit Assist Ltd. This company, in turn, is accused of unlawfully subcontracting the service to at least eleven other businesses.
The publication further raises concerns regarding the company owner’s prior criminal history and claims that no state institution has publicly notified citizens about the existence of the free service, despite its inclusion in road maintenance contracts since at least 2014. The report also cites internal sources alleging attempts by state entities to impose a monopoly favoring Unit Assist, alongside accusations of pressure and extortion against accident victims. Adding context, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov previously stated that the state intended to withdraw from what he termed a non-core activity, leaving roadside assistance to competitive market forces, and that the practice of obliging drivers to use a designated state-linked service would cease.
Topics: #road #free #roadside
I hope this investigation clarifies how the funds were actually used.
What specific irregularities are the prosecutors investigating regarding the roadside assistance program?