site.btaNewly Dismissed Sofia Deputy Mayor Barbutov Charged with Participating in Organized Crime Group and Bribery

Two charges have been brought against the newly dismissed Sofia Deputy Mayor Nikola Barbutov: participation in an organized criminal group and offering a bribe, his lawyer Ina Lulcheva said here Wednesday. She added that her client is currently detained for up to 72 hours.

Lulcheva explained that it is unclear what the amount of the alleged bribe is or what exactly it pertains to, as the documentation mentions the value of public procurement contracts, but does not specify which ones.

The lawyer added that Barbutov denied the accusations and that two other individuals have also been charged in the case.

On Tuesday, officers from the Counter-Corruption Commission carried out searches at Sofia Municipality and the deputy mayor, responsible for European policies, international affairs, and tourism was escorted from the building by police. The Commission’s actions followed reports of pressure exerted on the mayors of Mladost and Lyulin boroughs as well as two municipal councilors. 

The Commission informed BTA that three people have been detained in the case and the prosecution is expected to determine the procedural measures to be taken against them.

On Wednesday, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev announced via Facebook that he had dismissed Barbutov from his position as deputy mayor.