Varna Mayor Detained Amidst Corruption Examination
Initial Reports & Detention Details
varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev has been taken into custody, according to sources. The sofia City prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, which involves an individual wiht parliamentary immunity. Authorities utilized special procedural-investigative actions during the detention.
The investigation centers around allegations of corruption related to public procurement processes. Kotsev is currently being held for 24 hours by the Commission for Countering Corruption and Other Illegal Activities (CCPA). Prosecutors will determine whether to extend his arrest and formally press charges.
Municipal & Political Response
The Varna Municipality has stated they currently possess no information regarding the ongoing case.
Simultaneous to the Mayor’s detention, searches were conducted at the residences of municipal councilors Yordan Kateliev and Nikolay Stefanov, both affiliated with the “We Continue the Change” party. Both councilors have recently stepped down from leadership positions on the City Council and no longer maintain offices within the municipal governance building.
Claims of Political Motivation
Assen Vasilev, a representative of “We Continue the Change,” stated the party had no prior knowledge of Kotsev’s arrest and maintains no current connection with him. Vasilev suggested the timing of the detention appears designed to generate media attention rather than conduct a genuine investigation, and posited a potential political motivation targeting members of their party. Discussions are underway regarding the upcoming vote of no confidence.
Social Media Reactions
Reactions to the unfolding events have been shared on social media platforms. Kiril Petkov, a deputy and chairman of “We Continue the Change,” addressed the situation on his Facebook profile.