site.btaTwo Road Transport Inspectors Fired after Asking Bribe from Robbie Williams Crew Drivers

Disciplinary proceedings have been immediately instituted against two inspectors of the Road Transport Administration (RTA) Executive Agency, and they have already been dismissed, Bulgarian Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov told BTA on Monday.

He was approached about media reports according to which trucks carrying equipment for Robbie Williams's concert in Sofia were pulled over by the RTA officials on Friday and asked for a bribe of a yet unspecified amount. After the drivers complained to the Interior Ministry and the British Embassy, the inspectors were detained for 72 hours on Saturday. Part of the cash received was found in their possession, various media reported.

"The Executive Agency has fully cooperated with the Interior Ministry authorities for the detection and detention of the corrupt officials of the Sofia Regional Inspectorate," Karadjov pointed out. "As Minister of Transport and Communications, I remain committed to the cause of clearing the system of held-over corrupt practices. We will continue to work actively and impartially in close cooperation with the Bulgarian prosecution service and the investigation authorities," Karadjov commented.