The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings based on a media report concerning potential irregularities involving the Road Infrastructure Agency and the provision of a free roadside assistance service. The investigation involves questioning witnesses and requesting documents from the Agency, among other evidence-gathering measures. The focus of the inquiry, according to the Prosecutor’s Office, is on actions taken by individuals who are not direct employees of the Ministry of Interior.
The report alleges a scheme involving the unlawful subcontracting of road maintenance activities, suggesting a potential loss of at least BGN 14 million monthly. Specifically, it claims that since 2025, the Road Infrastructure Agency allegedly contracted 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 also highlights concerns regarding the company owner’s criminal background and notes that state institutions have not publicly informed citizens about the existence of the free roadside assistance service, despite its inclusion in road maintenance contracts dating back to at least 2014. Furthermore, the report details allegations of attempts to establish a monopoly favoring Unit Assist, involving pressure on competitors and alleged extortion of accident victims. Separately, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov stated on April 9 that the state plans to withdraw from what he termed a non-core activity, leaving roadside assistance to competitive market forces.
He added that the current practice, requiring the Ministry of Interior to mandate the use of a designated state-linked service for stranded drivers, would cease.
Topics: #road #free #roadside
