SOFIA — May 8, 2024 — The Sofia City Court has halted the case against the Bulgarian businessman vasil Bozhkov related to alleged murder plots, including a plot to murder a woman in Switzerland. The court cited “serious violations,” and the case has been sent back to the prosecutor’s office. This development now invites further scrutiny of the initial investigation and expert legal analysis.
Vasil Bozhkov’s Case: The Unraveling of a Murder Plot
The Sofia City court has halted proceedings against Vasil Bozhkov concerning multiple alleged killings, including a previously little-known plot to murder Boyka Stoyanova in Switzerland. The case, plagued by what the court deemed serious violations
, has been returned to the prosecutor’s office.
The Alleged Target: Boyka Stoyanova
Boyka Stoyanova, reportedly an associate of the late hotelier and arms dealer Mladen Mutafchiiski, became the center of an alleged murder plot orchestrated by Vasil Bozhkov. Mutafchiiski died in 2013.
The Witness: konstantin Buhlev
Konstantin Buhlev, already incarcerated for the 2015 murder of DJ Teddy in Varna, serves as the key witness in this case. According to Buhlev’s testimony and the prosecution’s indictment, Bozhkov contacted him in June 2014, a meeting that would set in motion a series of events leading to the alleged murder plot.
The Meeting and the Proposition
Buhlev claims that he met with Bozhkov in the parking lot of a cinema in Sofia. During this meeting, Bozhkov allegedly proposed the murder of Stoyanova, describing it as very easy
. The indictment states that Bozhkov told Buhlev, There is a grandmother in Switzerland, wich should be removed.
Bozhkov provided Buhlev with a photograph of Stoyanova and her address in Switzerland.
Did You Know?
Konstantin Buhlev was also a protected witness in the case against Roman Logvinenko for the attack on alexei Petrov as 2015 and for the preparation of the murder of Delyan Peevski.
The Details of the Alleged Plot
- Motive: Bozhkov allegedly told Buhlev that stoyanova was a mistress of Mutafchiiski.
- Payment: Bozhkov promised Buhlev 100,000 euros for the murder.
- Advance: Buhlev received an initial payment of 20,000 euros.
- Assistance: Bozhkov provided Buhlev with contact data for an Albanian man with a restaurant in Switzerland, who would supply a silencer gun.
The Failed Attempts
Buhlev claims to have traveled to Zurich twice to carry out the murder. His efforts, however, were unsuccessful.
- First Trip: buhlev surveilled Stoyanova’s residence, a three-story house next to a lake, for three days but did not see her. He took photos and videos of the property.
- Second Trip: After Bozhkov expressed disappointment, Buhlev returned to Switzerland, traveling via Milan and Lugano. He attempted to use a camera to capture Stoyanova leaving her house but was stopped by police for a document check.
- The Albanian Contact: Buhlev located the Albanian restaurant but did not contact the man.
Ultimately,Buhlev requested a delay of 7-8 months,and the murder was never committed.
Court’s Decision and Case Status
The Sofia City Court terminated the case against Vasil Bozhkov, citing serious violations
, a lack of facts, and the defendant’s inability to understand the charges. The case has been returned to the prosecutor’s office for further review.
Pro Tip
A case being returned to the prosecutor’s office frequently enough indicates that the initial investigation was deemed insufficient or flawed, requiring further evidence gathering or clarification of charges.
Bozhkov’s Recent History
Vasil Bozhkov, a Bulgarian businessman, has faced legal troubles in recent years. In February 2023, the UK sanctioned Bozhkov for alleged misuse of state funds [[2]]. He was arrested upon his return to Bulgaria in August 2023 after a three-year stay in Dubai [[1]]. Later, he was released under house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet [[3]].
FAQ
- Who is Vasil bozhkov?
- Vasil Bozhkov is a Bulgarian businessman who has faced various legal issues,including allegations of corruption and murder plots.
- Who is Boyka Stoyanova?
- Boyka Stoyanova was the target of an alleged murder plot orchestrated by Vasil Bozhkov.She was reportedly an associate of Mladen Mutafchiiski.
- What is the current status of the case?
- The Sofia City Court terminated the case against Bozhkov and returned it to the prosecutor’s office due to serious violations.
