Malorad voter bribery arrest in Bulgaria

A 62-year-old man has been detained in the village of Malorad for allegedly engaging in vote buying during simultaneous mayoral and presidential elections. According to police reports, the individual admitted to receiving money to distribute to three people, providing 50 euros to each recipient. The recipients, identified as a mother, a son, and a neighbor, reportedly confirmed receiving the funds.

The incident occurred during a period of intense local competition. While the suspect claimed the money was intended for a candidate moving to a runoff, the candidate in question has denied any involvement and accused opponents of slander. Other local reports suggest that bribe amounts in the area may have increased to as much as 150 euros.

Under Bulgarian law, vote trading carries a penalty of one to six years in prison and fines ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 leva.