Bulgarian courts issue prison terms and fines for bribery attempts

Bulgarian courts have issued significant penalties to drivers attempting to bribe police officers to avoid traffic inspections.

In Plovdiv, the District Court sentenced a driver to a six-month suspended prison sentence and a 3,500 euro fine after he offered a 20 euro bribe to avoid sanctions for improper use of a seatbelt and vehicle lights. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the bribe amount to the state.

In Sofia, a Romanian national received a six-year prison sentence under a strict regime and a 7,000 euro fine. The individual, who does not possess a driver's license, attempted to bribe an officer with 400 leva to avoid a vehicle inspection and technical check. Both sentences are subject to appeal.