Businessman Zhelev detained over assault and extortion charge
The head of one of the largest building companies in Bulgaria, Veliko Zhelev, has been arrested for 72 hours. However, the prosecutor office's investigation is not over widely publicised violations related to the construction of highways or other public procurement activities, but for alleged assault and extortion of a former employee. Accusations were initiated against Zhelev and two other people.
Tomorrow, the prosecutor's office, according to a statement on its website, will decide whether to ask the court for a permanent detention.
Zhelev was the only one of the major builders to receive a new huge contract after the fall of the GERB-led government in 2021 - for the construction of a tunnel under Shipka pass for over BGN 350 million.
WCC, GERB vie for top spot
WCC-DB has a 0.5% lead over GERB-SDS, according to a poll by the Market Links agency. The same poll predicts that three other parties will pass the 4% threshold on the April 2 election and enter parliament: DPS, Vazrazhdane and BSP.
The survey gives BSP a historic low of 6.6%. In the past four elections (over the span of two years) the socialists were receiving slightly above 10%.
The findings are roughly in line with other polls, some of which, however, give a marginal lead to GERB.
DZI wants to exit insurance business
DZI's entities, part of the Belgian financial group KBC, have made submissions to leave the Association of Bulgarian Insurers (ABZ), according to information given to Capital by market sources.
ABZ declared that DZI had submitted a written notice to leave the association, but no reason was given.
The decision was probably influenced by ABZ's position during discussion of the legal amendments supposed to guarantee timely payments of benefits in the international Green Card system. Bulgaria had to adopt a bill after entering ERM II, and ultimately the lack of an adopted legal text, became an obstacle to Sofia adopting the euro from January 1, 2024.
Businessman Zhelev detained over assault and extortion charge
The head of one of the largest building companies in Bulgaria, Veliko Zhelev, has been arrested for 72 hours. However, the prosecutor office's investigation is not over widely publicised violations related to the construction of highways or other public procurement activities, but for alleged assault and extortion of a former employee. Accusations were initiated against Zhelev and two other people.
