The mayor of Yakoruda was found dead

The mayor of Yakoruda, Nouredin Kafelov, was found dead in his car with a gunshot wound, BNT has learned.

He was found at around 16.30 on a road in the Treshchenik area above Yakoruda. According to unofficial information, his vehicle was locked from the inside. Forensic experts are conducting a search at the scene.

Investigators, including a task force from Sofia, are travelling to the scene.

There is no definite information whether the town mayor was killed or it was a suicide.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Nouredin Kafelov had valid permits for short- and long-barrel weapons.

With the start of the examination of the scene of the incident, the Prosecutor's office initiated an investigation into solicitation of suicide. This was reported to BNT by the Prosecutor’s office.

The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the Blagoevgrad district Prosecutor's office. A number of actions on the investigation are to be carried out and all lines of enqury will be checked, the Prosecutor's office said.

A deputy district prosecutor of Blagoevgrad travelled to the scene of the incident.

Nouredin Kafelov was a long-serving mayor of Yakoruda Municipality on the MRF list. He was also part of the management of the Financial Supervision Commission. In 2020, his name became notorious because of a public procurement for more than 75 000 BGN for the purchase of a luxury car for the needs of the municipality.

In mid-September, State Agency for National Security and anti-corruption commission started a check in the Municipality of Yakoruda. According to unofficial information, they are investigating the work of the municipal leadership and the mayor. They are checking the ways in which public procurement was conducted, reports of corruption and conflict of interest.

Dozens of documents have been removed from the municipality building. A report has also been filed against the mayor for unauthorised expansion of the cemetery park.