@Георги Кандев, Facebook
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov has announced that authorities have seized more than half a million euros in what he described as funds intended to influence or distort the outcome of the upcoming elections in Bulgaria. In a recorded video message distributed on social media, he said the government has instructed that all reports of violations be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, stressing that results must be clear and verifiable.
Gyurov said the scale of enforcement activity has significantly increased compared to previous elections. According to him, the number of reports related to vote-buying has risen sevenfold, while initiated proceedings and detentions are four times higher than in the past electoral cycle. He framed these figures as evidence of intensified state action and cooperation between citizens and institutions in addressing electoral crimes.
The prime minister also stated that practices such as lists of voters, cash payments and coordinated voting have been systematically targeted, claiming that such methods are no longer tolerated. He emphasized that the Ministry of Interior is now actively involved in frontline operations rather than acting as a passive observer during the electoral process.
Separately, law enforcement agencies have conducted a series of coordinated operations across several regions of the country as part of efforts to combat crimes against political rights. In the Burgas and Pomorie areas, police inspected commercial properties, including a shop and a small hotel, where they discovered cash believed to be linked to vote influence activities. Around 20,000 euros were found in a safe, along with additional sums totaling 1,715 euros, as well as campaign materials associated with a political party. The owner of the premises was detained for up to 24 hours, and a fast-track investigation was launched.
Further operations were carried out in regions including Lovech and Shumen, where authorities searched homes, vehicles and business locations such as pawnshops and lending offices. In Shumen’s Varbitsa area, investigators reportedly discovered identity documents, name lists, campaign-related paperwork and 76,280 euros in cash. Five pre-trial proceedings were opened in connection with the case.
In Razgrad, a 24-year-old man was detained after police reportedly seized 14,000 euros from his property, along with lists of names, counterfeit euro banknotes, additional cash in euros and Turkish lira. Officials noted that hundreds of signals related to electoral violations have been received nationwide, significantly more than in previous elections.
The Interior Ministry said the ongoing operations aim to prevent manipulation of electoral rights and ensure a visible law enforcement presence in vulnerable areas. According to officials, multiple investigations and warning procedures are underway, with work continuing across all regions where suspected violations have been reported.