MP Rangelov Faces Immunity Removal Over Bribery

Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov has submitted a request to the National Assembly to strip MP Mario Rangelov, from the Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF) party, of his immunity, the prosecution service announced on April 7, 2025, CE Report quotes BTA

The request follows an investigation by the Sofia City Prosecution Office, initiated on April 4, 2025. Rangelov, a member of parliament since 2014, is accused of accepting a bribe from an associate to influence public procurement contracts for schools in Cherven Bryag and Koynare. The total value of the contracts is estimated at over BGN 1.6 million.

Evidence suggests Rangelov's involvement in manipulating public procurement for sports facilities renovations, funded by a BGN 240 million program. Sarafov had previously filed two immunity-lifting requests in December 2024 and February 2025 related to different criminal activities, including voter bribery during the October 2024 elections, but both were rejected by the National Assembly.

The request now includes additional evidence, such as witness testimonies and confiscated materials, in support of the bribery and procurement manipulation charges.