Bulgarian authorities have seized more than €0.5mn suspected of being used to influence the outcome of upcoming elections scheduled on April 19, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov said, according to Novinite.

In a video message published on social media, Gyurov said the government had ordered thorough investigations into all reported violations, stressing that election results must be “clear and verifiable”.

He said enforcement activity has intensified significantly compared with previous elections. Reports related to vote-buying have increased sevenfold, while the number of initiated proceedings and detentions is four times higher than in the last electoral cycle.

Police have carried out coordinated operations across several regions as part of efforts to combat crimes against political rights. In Burgas and Pomorie, officers searched commercial premises, including a shop and a small hotel, where they discovered cash believed to be linked to vote-buying schemes. The owner was detained for up to 24 hours, and a fast-track investigation was launched.

Additional probes have identified suspected preparations to influence voting outcomes in regions including Lovech, Shumen and Razgrad, authorities said.

The Interior Ministry said operations are ongoing nationwide, aimed at preventing manipulation of electoral processes and ensuring a visible law enforcement presence in high-risk areas. Officials added that multiple investigations and warning procedures are underway as authorities respond to reported violations.

In related news, Bulgaria has asked the European Union for help to fight off interference from Russia ahead of its election later this month, according to correspondence reviewed by Politico.

Bulgarian officials last week asked the bloc's diplomatic service to help spot — and ultimately stop — campaigns by foreign actors to manipulate public opinion through social media networks and propaganda websites, using a European approach designed in response to Russian and Chinese threats.