The scandal with the repatriation of a car on the "Trakia" motorway, in which a young man had to pay 800 leva for a 5-kilometer ride, turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg in a problematic industry, about which the institutions have long been notified, but have not taken action.
Encho Andonov, manager of a roadside assistance company, refutes the official position of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) that they have not received any reports of problems in the sector so far. He claims that he sent a detailed report to the institution on January 13, 2025.
"On January 13, 2025 I filed a report with the CPC, in which I described in detail cases of abuse, lack of regulated prices, incorrect practices and work of the gray sector in the industry. The answer I received from the CPC was that “control is carried out by other competent authorities” and that they have no reason to take action,” Andonov claims.
According to the information Andonov shares, he also reported to the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” (IAAA), which is legally responsible for controlling the licensing and activities of roadside assistance companies. He also did not receive any reaction or feedback from there about the measures taken.
"In other words - both the CPC, the IAAA, and other institutions with control functions were duly notified, but did nothing. This is unacceptable and shows that today's “surprising” incident is simply the result of a long-standing lack of control and institutional irresponsibility," the company owner states.
In response to public pressure after the case with the young man, the CPC announced that it is starting mass inspections of all companies providing repatriation services. The commission clarified that they do not regulate prices, but ensure that the consumer is notified in advance of the cost of the service.
At the same time, the CPC stated that "to date, no other complaints have been received related to the prices of car repatriation services", which is categorically denied by Andonov.
"The CPC takes the liberty of publicly stating that "no other signals have been received to date". This is false. I have the full written correspondence, including the incoming number and the official refusal to check", the businessman is categorical.
Through his position published on social networks, Andonov raises a number of uncomfortable questions:
"Why do the institutions that should control this sector refuse to act on reports submitted? Why does the CPC publicly state that there are no reports, given that there are officially registered ones? Who is responsible for this institutional cover-up or ignoring of a real problem, which has led to damage to dozens, if not hundreds of consumers?"
Andonov notes that his company operates under clear conditions, with announced prices and the necessary license. He expresses indignation that illegitimate companies without registration, documents and a price list can abuse people's trust, while the institutions are inactive.
"The problem is systemic. But it can be solved - if there is a will", concludes Andonov, who calls for a public response from the CPC and the IAAA, an audit of their actions and an investigation into possible links between illegitimate companies and institutional protection.