Made the owner throw away the duty-free goods during inspection and did not report the case
A man from “Stolipinovo” complained that the officer of the Security police in Asenovgrad, Georgi Serkejiev, asked him for BGN 1,000 to protect his illegal activities, and gave an example of an inspection in the neighborhood dated August 9, 2022. Then Serkejiev discovered in his barn on st. A “noisy” bag of 5-10 kg of cut tobacco, but instead of reporting it, the officer told him to throw it away, which he did. According to the owner of the tobacco, a few months before - in April, he gave the uniform 500 BGN to warn him about inspections. At the beginning of 2023 Serkejiev visited him at his home and asked for the remainder of the promised BGN 1,000. and threatened him that “Bulgaria will seem narrow to him and will persecute him everywhere”. Then the resident of “Stolipinovo” filed a report.
A disciplinary examination was launched in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in the course of which no evidence of giving money was found. However, the incident with the disposal of the tobacco was confirmed and Georgi Serkejiev was dismissed on disciplinary grounds because he took advantage of his official position to thwart a criminal prosecution. He appealed the order to this effect before the Administrative Court in Plovdiv,but it was confirmed because there was a “violation of the ethical rules for the behavior of the Ministry of Internal Affairs employees,which damages the prestige of the service”.
The decision is not final and is subject to appeal before YOU.
How can citizens effectively report police misconduct while ensuring their safety and rights are protected?
Interview with Dr. Emil petrov,Expert in Administrative Ethics and Law Enforcement
Editor: Thank you for joining us today,Dr. Petrov. We’re discussing a troubling incident involving a police officer in Asenovgrad and the reported misconduct surrounding illegal tobacco disposal.can you briefly summarize what happened?
Dr.Petrov: Certainly. A resident of “Stolipinovo” alleged that Officer Georgi serkejiev solicited bribes from him to overlook illegal activities related to tobacco. In an inspection, Serkejiev discovered a sizable amount of cut tobacco but chose to have it disposed of rather of reporting it, which raises serious ethical concerns.
Editor: What are the implications of this kind of behavior for law enforcement and public trust?
Dr. Petrov: The implications are profound. when police officers engage in bribery, it undermines public trust in law enforcement agencies. Citizens need to believe that officers will enforce the law impartially. Such misconduct can erode that trust and damage the reputation of the entire agency. This case showcases the urgent need for robust internal checks within police departments.
Editor: The article mentions that Serkejiev was dismissed after a disciplinary examination found him guilty of misconduct. How crucial is disciplinary action in maintaining ethical standards in law enforcement?
Dr.petrov: disciplinary action is crucial. it serves not only as a form of accountability for the individual involved but also sends a clear message to the entire force about the importance of upholding ethical standards. Swift and transparent actions help to restore faith in the institution by demonstrating that misconduct will not be tolerated.
Editor: The officer’s appeal against his dismissal shows that he might still contest the ruling. What does this mean for the case and the broader implications for similar situations?
Dr. Petrov: Appeals in disciplinary cases highlight the complexity of legal and ethical frameworks surrounding law enforcement conduct. They provide a layer of due process, but they can also be problematic if they lead to a prolonged lack of resolution.Redundant appeals processes can sometimes allow misconduct to go unchecked, which contributes to frustration among the community and undermines policy effectiveness.
Editor: What practical advice would you give to citizens who might find themselves in similar situations involving potential police misconduct or corruption?
Dr. Petrov: If individuals encounter police misconduct,its essential to document everything—dates,times,and details of the interaction. They should feel empowered to report these incidents, either internally to the police department or through self-reliant oversight bodies. It can also be beneficial to seek legal counsel, as an attorney may help navigate the complexities involved in reporting such issues.
Editor: Thank you for your insights,Dr. Petrov. This case underlines the critical importance of integrity within law enforcement. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me. Addressing these issues is key to fostering a just society.