The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings based on a media report detailing potential abuses within the Road Infrastructure Agency concerning the provision of a free roadside assistance service. The investigation involves questioning witnesses and requesting documents from the agency, focusing specifically on activities carried out by individuals outside the Ministry of Interior. The report alleges a scheme involving the unlawful subcontracting of road maintenance activities, potentially diverting sums of at least BGN 14 million monthly (over EUR 7 million).
Specifically, the investigation claims that since 2025, the Road Infrastructure Agency has allegedly subcontracted the provision of 24/7 free roadside assistance for citizens to Unit Assist Ltd. This company, in turn, is accused of unlawfully subcontracting the service to at least 11 other businesses. The publication also highlighted concerns regarding the owner’s criminal background and stated that no state institution had publicly notified 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 alleged attempts to establish a monopoly favoring Unit Assist through state institutions, alongside claims of pressure and extortion against accident victims. Separately, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov stated on April 9 that the state intends to withdraw from what he termed a non-core activity, suggesting that roadside assistance services would transition to competitive market forces. He noted that the current practice, which mandates that stranded drivers utilize a designated state-linked service, would cease.
Topics: #road #free #roadside
