EditBribery scandal mars Robbie Williams’ triumphant concert in Sofia
Road inspectors halted four British-registered trucks carrying the pop star's equipment, asking for an undisclosed amount to let them pass
In a stark reminder of Bulgaria’s ongoing battle with endemic corruption, road inspectors allegedly demanded bribes from the drivers transporting equipment for British pop icon Robbie Williams’ highly anticipated concert in Sofia. The incident, which unfolded on the eve of the performance, has spotlighted persistent issues within the country’s public administration, prompting swift action from authorities and drawing international attention.
The corruption allegation surfaced when road inspectors halted four British-registered trucks en route to Sofia on 27 September, ostensibly for routine checks. According to reports from the Institute for Road Safety (IPB), a prominent NGO focused on traffic-related issues, the inspectors from the State Automobile Inspection (DAI) solicited bribes from the drivers carrying stage equipment for Williams’ show.
DAI, an acronym meaning “give me”, has for many years prompted mockery among Bulgarians.
While the exact amount demanded remains undisclosed, the drivers promptly alerted the British Embassy and Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior. IPB escalated the matter by filing a formal complaint with Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov, urging a thorough investigation.
Undeterred by the backstage drama, Williams’ concert on 28 September at Vasil Levski National Stadium proved a resounding success, drawing nearly 40,000 enthusiastic fans. As part of his global tour, the event featured the singer’s timeless hits, with the crowd singing along in unison. In a heartfelt nod to local pride, Williams congratulated Bulgaria’s volleyball team on their silver medal win at the World Championship in the Philippines that same day, fostering a moment of national unity amid the festivities.
In response to the bribery claims, two employees from DAI have been detained, and pre-trial proceedings are underway. Authorities, including the police, prosecutor’s office, and Ministry of Transport and Communications, are expected to release further details today. This case not only underscores the vulnerabilities in Bulgaria’s regulatory framework but also serves as a call for continued anti-corruption vigilance to protect the nation’s reputation on the international stage.
Bulgaria has long grappled with systemic corruption, a legacy of its painful transition after the fall of communism. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Bulgaria scored a dismal 43 out of 100 in 2024, ranking 76th out of 180 countries globally and among the lowest in the European Union.
This places it behind most EU peers, with corruption particularly rife in sectors like law enforcement, judiciary, and public services, including road inspections. While Bulgaria’s 2007 EU accession spurred anti-corruption initiatives, including the now-discontinued Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), which ended in 2023 after progress in judicial and anti-corruption reforms, challenges persist.
A major illustration of the failure to tackle corruption, as anti-corruption bodies are diverted to activities aimed at targeting political opponents, is the case of Varna’s mayor, Blagomir Kotsev, where European liberals have urged the EU Commission to suspend €653 million in funds over allegations of a politically driven trial.
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After the publication of this article, it became known that the requested bribe was EUR 500.
Caption: Robbie Williams in Sofia on 28 September 2028, courtesy @RockTheNightEU on X
Updated: September 29, 2025 - 12:05
