Customs Inspector Detained in Sofia on Bribery Charges

sofia District Prosecutor’s Office provided details regarding teh detention of a Customs Agency employee for alleged corruption. Acting District Prosecutor of Sofia, Natalia Nikolova, stated that pre-trial proceedings have begun following the arrest of a customs inspector accused of accepting a bribe in Dragoman from a metal dealer.

On November 13th, around 9:00 a.m., a metal dealer from China arrived at the “Dragoman” customs checkpoint with documentation requiring verification. The trader presented the necessary papers and reportedly sought to expedite the release of the goods without a standard customs inspection. According to Nikolova, the merchant offered approximately BGN 1,000 to ensure swift processing of the documents and avoid a physical examination of the transported metals.

“Officers from the General directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) entered the office and conducted a search, discovering BGN 960 in the employee’s front pocket and an additional BGN 40 in another pocket,” Nikolova explained.

A subsequent search of the customs inspector’s home revealed over BGN 110,000, including 50,000 euros. Additional cash and coins were also seized. Investigators have also interviewed witnesses.

The customs officer faces charges of accepting a BGN 1,000 bribe to avoid performing official duties – specifically, to bypass a customs inspection and forgo cargo sampling. He was initially remanded in custody.

Though, the court has as ordered a more lenient measure – “house arrest” – considering the officer’s responsibility for the care of his elderly father.