Sofia Court Orders detention for Man Accused ‍in Tram Incident

Sofia,​ Bulgaria – A 22-year-old man, identified as Daniel ⁤T., is being held in detention following ⁤a Sofia City Court ruling related ‌to an incident involving a tram, authorities confirmed today. The court ​cited concerns that Daniel T. poses⁢ a flight risk⁣ and‍ a potential ‌for further criminal activity.

The case ⁢centers around allegations that⁤ Daniel ⁣T. interfered with the tram’s operation, causing it to move while unoccupied. Evidence presented to the court suggests he twice engaged⁢ with the tram’s controls, initially ​while stationary and then while in⁢ motion, before fleeing the⁢ scene with a companion. He⁤ later returned to observe the aftermath, reportedly stating an ‌intention to surrender, but failed to appear at work or​ at known addresses. This incident occurred while Daniel ‍T. was on probation following a ⁣previous ‌conviction, raising concerns about his public safety risk.

Court ⁤documents reveal that a forensic⁤ examination indicated Daniel T. had a moderate level​ of alcohol in his system, along with traces of cocaine and marijuana.⁢ Despite this, he reportedly demonstrated an‌ understanding of the ​consequences of his actions. He offered a brief statement in court,claiming the incident “happened inadvertently.”

Discrepancies exist between the tram operator’s testimony and ⁤the‌ official inspection report regarding ​whether proper safety procedures were followed⁢ before the‌ tram began moving.

The court’s detention order is ‌not final and can be appealed to the ⁤Court of Appeal (CAC). A hearing ⁤has been scheduled⁢ for‌ September 11 should an appeal be filed.

New Charges filed Against Former sofia deputy mayor

Sofia, Bulgaria – Two additional accusations have been ⁤leveled against former Sofia Deputy Mayor⁣ Nikola Barbutov, according to ⁣his lawyer, ‌Ina‍ Lulcheva, following an appearance at‍ the⁣ National Inquiry Service (NLS) today. The charges relate to alleged attempts to influence public procurement processes ​in the lyulin and Mladost districts of Sofia.

The new allegations center on claims that Barbutov, working wiht businessman Petar Rafailov,⁤ offered assistance to the mayors ‌of Lyulin,⁤ Georgi Todorov, and mladost, Ivaylo Kukurin, to prepare public procurement documents favoring specific companies. Lulcheva emphasized that no evidence has been presented to ⁢demonstrate the actual preparation of such documents or the securing of preferential terms. A second accusation⁤ alleges an ‍abuse of power by Barbutov and Rafailov in offering expert assistance to the⁣ district mayors.

Lulcheva contested⁤ the timing of the new charges, stating the facts regarding support offered to the mayors were already ⁢known ‌since June. She‌ clarified⁤ that‌ any expert assistance provided to the mayors of Mladost and Lyulin was reportedly ‌requested by the mayors themselves, specifically‍ regarding public procurement procedures.

The‌ developments⁢ come after the⁣ Sofia Court of Appeal’s June 3rd decision to uphold the detention of both ‌Barbutov and Rafailov.‍ Lulcheva also briefly addressed the case of detained Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, her client, noting a delay in the ‌prosecution sending his case to court, hindering her‍ ability to‍ file a request for​ a change ⁤in his measure of restraint as required by law.

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.