Interior Minister Emil Dechev has reported a sharp rise in signals related to alleged election crimes compared to the parliamentary vote held in October 2024. Speaking to journalists, he said the number of reports is several hundred percent higher, describing it as an indicator of increased public confidence in the Interior Ministry’s current leadership.

Dechev stated that investigations have uncovered various forms of suspected vote-buying schemes, including lists of names and, in some cases, identity documents belonging to citizens. According to him, the activities are widespread and not limited to specific communities or locations, with cases recorded in both Roma neighborhoods and other parts of the country. He also noted that enforcement efforts are being carried out across all areas without discrimination, adding that materials linked to alleged electoral manipulation have even been found in places such as hair salons. In some instances, he said, individuals were allowed to purchase goods only up to a set limit, which authorities view as part of organized influence practices.

Acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev provided additional figures related to the electoral environment in the Dobrich region. He said that as of 9 a.m., 18 days before the elections, authorities had received 22 signals, compared with 3 during the 2024 elections. According to him, 16 pre-trial proceedings have already been initiated, alongside 47 warning protocols, while one person has been detained. He added that this represents a sixfold increase in reports compared to the previous vote and noted that vote prices are estimated to range between 50 and 100 euros.

Separate cases in the Haskovo region have also led to arrests over suspected vote-buying. According to police reports, three individuals were detained within 24 hours in Dimitrovgrad and Harmanli for allegedly persuading voters to support specific political parties or candidates. In one case, a 47-year-old business owner was detained after investigators found a notebook containing recorded names and amounts. In another, a 35-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman were arrested after authorities discovered three notebooks with similar records in their premises.

A further suspect, a 39-year-old man from the region, was taken to the Svilengrad police department after documents containing names, addresses, and personal identification numbers were found in his home. He was later released following medical examination due to a deterioration in his condition. Authorities said that since the start of the campaign in Haskovo, 36 signals regarding violations of electoral rights have been processed, with 14 detentions and 10 pre-trial or expedited proceedings initiated. In total, 79 warning protocols have been issued.

Officials also recalled that additional arrests took place on March 31 in Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, and Ivaylovgrad, where three more individuals were detained on suspicion of involvement in vote-buying activities.