The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings based on media reports concerning potential abuses related to the Road Infrastructure Agency and the provision of free roadside assistance. The investigation involves questioning witnesses and gathering documents from the Agency, focusing specifically on activities conducted by individuals outside the Ministry of Interior. The core allegation centers on an alleged scheme for the unlawful subcontracting of road maintenance activities, reportedly resulting in the siphoning of at least BGN 14 million monthly.
It is alleged that since 2025, the Road Infrastructure Agency illegally 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 reports also highlight that the company’s owner has a documented criminal history.
Furthermore, the coverage claims that citizens were not publicly notified about the existence of this free service, despite its consistent inclusion in road maintenance contracts since at least 2014. Allegations suggest attempts to impose a monopoly in favor of Unit Assist, involving pressure on competitors and extortion targeting accident victims. In related developments, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov stated on April 9 that the state plans to withdraw from this activity, leaving roadside assistance to competitive market forces.
This move, he stated, will discontinue the current practice requiring drivers to use a designated state-linked service.
Topics: #road #free #roadside
