key Figure in bulgarian Smuggling Investigation Released on Bail,Probe Widens
Sofia,Bulgaria – Nikola Nikolov–Pascal,a central figure in a high-profile smuggling investigation,was released from custody on a 50,000 BGN (approximately $28,000 USD) bail following a court decision. The case, involving allegations of customs fraud and influence peddling, has implicated several current and former bulgarian officials, including Finance Minister Assen Vasilev and Deputy Interior Minister boyko Rashkov.
The investigation gained momentum through evidence obtained from Stefan Dimitrov, a young man known for videos online featuring his poodle adorned with packs. Dimitrov’s phone records revealed extensive interaction with Pascal, Petya Bankova, Zhivko Kotsev, and others, portraying him as someone who leveraged connections with influential figures.
Zhivko Kotsev testified he met Marin Dimitrov in 2021 while Dimitrov was a minister, relating to testimony regarding vote buying in the Haskovo region. During the period of alleged smuggling, Assen Vasilev served as Finance Minister, and Petya Bankova held positions as Deputy Director and later Director of Customs.dimitrov claims Bankova’s appointment to Customs was influenced by Alexey Petrov prior to Vasilev’s tenure.
Prosecutors are currently verifying the statements of all defendants and pursuing additional evidence,including forensic analysis and witness interrogations. While Vasilev and Rashkov have not yet been called to testify as witnesses, the prosecutor’s office possesses Communications Data Records (CDRs) and expert analyses.
Judge Adelina ivanova publicly criticized the Interior Ministry’s search of Pascal, noting it occurred on April 3, 2024, while Pascal claimed to be abroad.He was later detained in Serbia five months later,despite evidence suggesting travel to Bulgaria,including passage through the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint in May. Judge Ivanova characterized the initial search as ”formal.”
pascal is one of three individuals who have been subjects of extensive searches related to criminal investigations and remain at large for extended periods. The others are Petio Petrov-Peepi Euro and former MP Stoyan Mavrodiev, linked to a loan investigation involving Rumen vulka.
