A driver was arrested in Sofia after he tried to bribe traffic police with €200 to avoid an alcohol check, the Sofia police directorate (SDVR) said. His drug test came back positive for cocaine.

The stop was on 8 November near Lomsko Shose boulevard. A traffic police team pulled the car over because the driver ran a red light. When officers asked to test him for alcohol, the man put four €50 notes in the boot of the police car.

Officers arrested him on the spot. He was driving with a paper international driving permit from the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, with no plastic card.

Police can hold him for up to 24 hours, and pre-trial proceedings have been opened against him. After the case file went to Sofia City Prosecutor's Office, he was charged and placed in custody for up to 72 hours.

On 2 July 2026, the same man showed a Greek driving licence that was confirmed to be fake. He was detained at the Sixth District Police Station of the SDVR.