The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings on its own accord following media reports detailing potential irregularities involving the Road Infrastructure Agency and the provision of free roadside assistance. The ongoing investigation involves questioning witnesses and requesting documents from the Agency, alongside general evidence verification. The focus of the inquiry, according to the Prosecutor’s Office, is on activities conducted by private individuals rather than Ministry of Interior employees.
Reports suggest that since 2025, the roadside assistance services managed by the Agency were expanded, reportedly under pressure from national police. The investigation centers on an alleged scheme involving the unlawful subcontracting of road maintenance activities, which is claimed to divert at least BGN 14 million monthly. Specifically, the allegations state that the Road Infrastructure Agency has illegally subcontracted the provision of 24/7 free roadside assistance to Unit Assist Ltd., which in turn has allegedly subcontracted the service to at least eleven other businesses.
The media report highlighted the owner’s criminal history and questioned the transparency of the service, noting that no state institution appeared to inform the public about the existence of the free service, despite its inclusion in maintenance contracts since at least 2014. Furthermore, the report alleged attempts by state institutions to impose a monopoly favoring Unit Assist, alongside claims of pressure and extortion against accident victims. In related developments, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov stated that the state intends to withdraw from this non-core activity, leaving roadside assistance to competitive market forces.
He indicated that the current practice, requiring drivers to use a designated state-linked service, would cease.
Topics: #road #free #roadside
