Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Investigation under way of construction businessman over extortion charges

Police presence near the house of Veliko Zhelev
Photo: BGNES

The Bulgarian businessman Veliko Zhelev and two other persons are being investigated by the Sofia District Prosecutor's Office for causing bodily harm to a former employee of theirs and extortion. There is evidence that they forced the person to sign a document with false content about unsettled relations, Deputy District Prosecutor Borislav Georgiev said at a briefing.

Zhelev is a former head of the Bulgarian Road Agency and adviser to a regional minister. He is the owner of significant construction companies. 

Zhelev was detained late at night on March 6 in Sofia. The police searched his office in Sofia and a property in Varna. 
The former employee was questioned repeatedly. He was forced to assume a property obligation, said Georgiev.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Ivelin Mihaylov

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission probes 'Velichie' party in major property fraud case

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a large-scale property fraud and money laundering scheme connected to the 'Historical Park', which is associated with Ivelin Mihaylov, the leader of the Velichie party. Those arrested include the..

published on 11/26/25 2:30 PM
Boyko Borissov

Borissov cites EU defence adjustment to claim a 2026 deficit of 2.7%

The ruling party and the opposition argued about the procedure for the Budget Committee meeting before the final vote on the 2006 budget .  Assen Vassilev, chairman of the We Continue the Change party, attempted to block the committee’s extraordinary..

published on 11/26/25 2:15 PM

Agriculture and forestry workers protest for higher salaries

Employees in the agriculture and forestry sector staged a protest in front of the Parliament, demanding higher salaries for workers in departments that are secondary budget administrators. The protest was organized by the National Federation of..

published on 11/26/25 12:34 PM