Bulgaria Police Searches Office of Controversial Businessman over Vote-Buying

Politics | October 31, 2007, Wednesday // 00:00
Bulgaria: Bulgaria Police Searches Office of Controversial Businessman over Vote-Buying Vesselin Mareshki, founder of a large drug store chain, hit the headlines last week after confirming reports that he was handing out banknotes of BGN 100 to teachers who had walked off the job in protest against small wages. Photo by BGNES

The office of a controversial businessman, who ran for mayor in the Black Sea town of Varna in Sunday elections, was searched by the police following allegations of vote buying.

Vesselin Mareshki, founder of a large drug store chain, hit the headlines last week after confirming reports that he was handing out banknotes of BGN 100 to teachers who had walked off the job in protest against small wages.

The businessman had promised them more money in case he become elected, which he failed to do.

The economic police is searching for documents to back with evidence the allegations of vote buying, Darik radio reported.

According to the report police checked the ID cards of people waiting in front of the office. Witnesses say the mother of the pharmacy boss was also present during the search.

Bulgaria's parliament passed last week an amendment that criminalizes the selling of votes and provides for up to one year in prison. Buyers of votes face up to three years in jail.

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