Former Sofia Deputy Mayor, Businessman Jailed in Organized Bribery Ring Case

Sofia City Court holds a detention hearing for former Sofia deputy mayor Nikola Barbutov and businessman Petar Rafailov, Sofia, June 26, 2025 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

26.06.2025 20:22

(BTA)

Sofia City Court ordered former Sofia deputy mayor Nikola Barbutov and businessman Petar Rafailov to remain in custody, the court said on Thursday. Both men are accused of participating in an organized criminal group and offering bribes to borough mayors; the decision may be appealed.

According to the court, there is sufficient evidence to believe Barbutov and Rafailov are linked to the alleged offences, supported by witness testimonies. The court found no risk that either would abscond but determined there is a clear and present risk of reoffending rather than a merely hypothetical one. In Barbutov’s case, his role as a public official and his ties to Continue the Change (CC) contributed to his assessed public danger. Judge Vilisava Angelova said the matter represents harm to Bulgarian society and the State.

Barbutov’s attorney, Ina Lulcheva, told the media she would appeal the court’s decision. Lulcheva said the argument that her client posed a risk due to his senior position echoed a 1992 Supreme Court decision that considered Andrey Lukanov, as an MP, more dangerous to society than ordinary citizens. She recalled another case where the same reasoning was applied when measures were deliberated for Kiril Petkov and Bozhidar Bozhanov. Lulcheva said the court’s approach indicated bias and a prejudiced attitude.

Two days ago, Anti-Corruption Commission officers conducted searches at Sofia Municipality following reports of pressure exerted on the mayors of Lyulin and Mladost boroughs and two municipal councillors. Deputy mayor for European Policies, International Affairs and Tourism Nikola Barbutov left Sofia Municipality escorted by the police. The following day, mayor Vassil Terziev removed Barbutov from office. Four people have been charged by the Prosecution Service in connection with the case.

Continue the Change (CC) Co-Chair Kiril Petkov resigned on Wednesday as both MP and party co-chair in the wake of searches at Sofia Municipality and the investigation in which Barbutov is a prime suspect. Petkov said the party should address the underlying corruption issues in the case, not just personal allegations.

/DS/