Organised crime police (GDBOP) and the State Agency for National Security (DANS) are carrying out a joint operation in the Sungurlare and Burgas areas, and unofficial reports say some people have already been detained.

The operation is still going on. Several people have been detained, but it is not known how many.

First reports say the probe is over rigged public procurement.

On 16 October we reported that GDBOP had detained 11 people in an operation against a scheme to drain money from a water and sewerage company through public procurement. Investigators say the group had been active in Burgas and Sofia since February 2024.

GDBOP and DANS have not yet given official information about the operation. Both agencies are expected to release details.

Updated (20.10, 16:07): The mayor of Sungurlare, Dimitar Gavazov, has been detained in an operation by Bulgaria's organised crime police (GDBOP), local media report. Officers are investigating public contracts where there are signs of suspected abuse. Staff from the specialised services entered the town hall and checked documents. The interior ministry and the prosecutor's office have not yet given any official information.