The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings following media reports concerning potential irregularities involving the Road Infrastructure Agency and the free roadside assistance service. The investigation involves questioning witnesses, requesting documents from the Agency, and conducting other evidence-gathering actions. The focus of the inquiry is on individuals who are not direct employees of the Ministry of Interior.
The allegations center on a scheme involving the unlawful subcontracting of road maintenance activities. Reports suggest that since 2025, the Road Infrastructure Agency allegedly subcontracted the provision of 24/7 free roadside assistance to Unit Assist Ltd. This company is further accused of unlawfully subcontracting this service to at least eleven other businesses.
The published report highlights the owner’s alleged criminal history and claims that no state institution publicly notified citizens about the existence of the free roadside service, despite its inclusion in road maintenance contracts dating back to at least 2014. Furthermore, the report alleges attempts by state institutions to impose a monopoly favoring Unit Assist, alongside claims of pressuring competitors, threats, and extortion targeting victims of traffic accidents. Separately, on April 9, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov announced that the state would withdraw from what he termed a non-core activity, leaving roadside assistance services to competitive market forces.
He stated that the current practice, where the Ministry of Interior mandates stranded drivers to use a designated state-linked service, would cease.
Topics: #road #free #roadside
This suggests there might be accountability issues within the agency’s operations.
What specific irregularities are the authorities investigating regarding the roadside assistance service?