Ex-Minister Alleges Police Corruption in Plovdiv smuggling Case

A former Bulgarian interior Minister, ivan Demerdzhiev, has publicly alleged corruption and​ obstruction of justice ⁢within ‍the Plovdiv police force following the seizure of a large quantity of smuggled ⁢cigarettes.demerdzhiev⁢ claims that the operation, which ⁣nearly resulted in important arrests, was ​abruptly halted by an ⁢order for police to “withdraw,” raising ​concerns about a ⁤state-protected smuggling network.

Police Threatened After Smuggling Interdiction, Claims Demerdzhiev

⁣ demerdzhiev stated ​that the officers involved in the cigarette seizure faced potential punishment, including termination, for their actions.⁤ He suggests ⁣that his public statements were ​prompted by a ⁤lack of official response to the incident.

“There was a serious danger that the police who participated in the action woudl be punished. Even some of them are fired,”⁢ demerdzhiev said.

Borisov Calls for ⁣Action; Questions Remain

⁣ ⁤ Boyko Borisov has called on Daniel Mitov to address the situation, urging a thorough investigation ​into anyone involved in smuggling activities. Borisov stated he hopes the investigation ‌will not target officers who initially apprehended the smuggled goods.

Allegations of Influence Peddling

Demerdzhiev expressed⁣ skepticism about Mitov’s ability to act independently, suggesting potential attempts to rehabilitate Kalin Litov‍ within the DGBOP (Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime). He further implied that ⁤Borisov’s influence might potentially be ​limited, alleging that key ministry positions are controlled by‌ individuals aligned with Delyan ​Peevski.
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⁣ “The positions of Boyko Borisov do not weigh in the case, because if they were weighing, I​ think ​that this ministry,⁣ if it‍ was actually managed by⁢ GERB, had long been replaced by ‌the regional directors installed there by Kalin ​Stoyanov, for whom it was undoubtedly confirmed that he was Minister of Delyan Peevski,” Demerdzhiev stated.

Regional Director ⁤Firings Raise suspicions

Demerdzhiev questioned the management of the GERB ministry by regional⁣ directors, most of whom were appointed by Peevski’s ⁣minister.‌ He highlighted the removal of the Plovdiv ⁢director, Georgi Mashovov, as especially‌ suspicious.
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‌ “All the time Georgi Mashovov was​ performing this position, he was secured with two alternates, quite tied to the circle around Peevski and the circle around Ivan Petleshkov…when the situation arose, instead of replacing these deputy directors, he was replaced,” Demerdzhiev‌ explained.

Smuggling Channel Extends Beyond Plovdiv

Demerdzhiev asserted that the smuggling channel operates nationwide and facilitates the transport of ‌illicit goods throughout⁣ the European Union. He called for an investigation into the origin of the illegal ‌cigarettes, suggesting a potential ‌connection to Ivan ⁤Petleshkov and the company “ABT Commerce EOOD.”

⁢ “Let them check‍ the company ‘ABT ⁣Commerce EOOD’ Whether it is somehow related to Petleshkov,” Demerdzhiev urged.

Freight Company Involvement Clarified

Demerdzhiev clarified the timeline of events and the companies involved in the smuggling case. he emphasized that while the cigarette seizure occurred in November, prior to ⁣a separate scandal involving the freight forwarding company PIMK, procedural actions ⁣have not been carried out with regard to PIMK and its owner.

‌”Procedural actions with regard to ⁤PIMK and ‍its owner have not ‍been ⁢carried ‌out,” Demerdzhiev reiterated.

Sofia Directorate Investigates Plovdiv Case

Demerdzhiev noted that the investigation ⁣is‍ being conducted by the Sofia Interior Directorate, not the⁢ Plovdiv directorate, and questioned the reasons behind this decision. He further inquired about potential connections between Deputy Director ‍miroslav Dimitrov and Ivan Petleshkov.
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⁣ ⁣ “Is this any connection with the Deputy Director (of the‌ Ministry of Interior) Miroslav ⁤Dimitrov, known as Miro Tiger? ​Does ‌the Miroslav Dimitrov in⁢ question⁢ close contacts ⁣with Petleshkov?” Demerdzhiev asked.

Petleshkov’s Influence and⁤ Political Ambitions

Demerdzhiev‍ described Petleshkov as a local power broker, alleging his‍ involvement in creating a ​media outlet and⁣ a political ​party to⁣ advance his interests. He expressed concern over Petleshkov’s‌ alleged influence within the Plovdiv municipal government.

​ ‍ “Currently, together⁢ with the mayor of Plovdiv, they ⁣run Plovdiv,” Demerdzhiev⁢ claimed.
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Hope Placed on‌ European‌ Prosecutor’s Office

​ ​ Demerdzhiev lamented the perceived weakness of Bulgarian institutions and​ expressed hope that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Laura Kövesi, would thoroughly investigate the case.
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‍ “All the hopes of Bulgaria and the Bulgarians to be directed to what Laura kyoveshi will do… She not only can, but she‍ is obliged⁤ to conduct this investigation, to bring it to the end,” Demerdzhiev concluded.

Here’s a Q&A-style blog post based on the provided article, optimized for SEO, user value, and E-E-A-T:

Ex-Minister Alleges Police Corruption in Plovdiv Smuggling​ Case: Your Questions Answered

This article dives deep into the allegations of corruption and obstruction of justice‍ within the Plovdiv police force,​ as⁢ brought to light by former Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev. We’ll ⁢break down the key claims, potential implications, and the key players involved,‌ answered in⁢ a clear, concise Q&A format.

What is the core‌ issue alleged by former Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev?

Demerdzhiev alleges widespread police corruption and obstruction of justice within the Plovdiv police force ⁤following a large cigarette smuggling seizure.He claims that the operation was abruptly halted to protect an alleged state-protected smuggling network.

what specifically happened during the cigarette seizure?

According to⁣ Demerdzhiev, the police were on the verge of making crucial arrests when they received an order to ‌”withdraw.” This ⁤abrupt halt, he contends, prevented the accomplished‌ conclusion of ⁢the​ operation and allowed the suspected smugglers‌ to avoid capture.

Who is ⁤Ivan Demerdzhiev, and why is his statement critically important?

Ivan Demerdzhiev is a former Bulgarian Interior Minister. His claims ‍carry weight as of his prior experience and knowledge within the ministry.His public statements suggest a significant level of concern about the integrity of law enforcement and the potential for high-level corruption.

What are the repercussions for the police officers involved in the seizure?

Demerdzhiev stated that the officers ‌who participated in the cigarette seizure are⁤ at ⁤risk of facing punishment, ⁤including termination from ⁤their positions. This, he argues, demonstrates⁣ that corrupt officials within the ⁣system are punishing⁣ those who are ‍actually⁢ trying to do their jobs.

Why did Demerdzhiev go public with these allegations?

Demerdzhiev stated that​ his public statements were prompted ⁢by the lack ⁢of any official response to the incident. He felt the lack of action at the time‍ demonstrated ‍unwillingness to address⁤ the situation.

What is Boyko borisov’s reaction to these allegations?

Boyko Borisov, another prominent figure, has ⁢called for action and a thorough investigation into anyone involved in smuggling activities. He hopes that the investigation will not target the officers who originally apprehended the smuggled goods.

Are​ there allegations of influence peddling in this case?

Yes, Demerdzhiev expressed skepticism about the ‍current Minister of ⁣Interior, Daniel Mitov’s ability to act independently. He ​suggests potential attempts to⁣ rehabilitate individuals like Kalin litov within the Chief Directorate for Combating⁤ Organized Crime (DGBOP). Demerdzhiev also believes key ministry positions are controlled by individuals connected ‍to‍ Delyan Peevski.

What role does Georgi Mashovov play in this case?

Demerdzhiev questioned‌ the‍ removal⁤ of the ⁤Plovdiv director,Georgi Mashovov,from his position.Mashovov’s replacement raised suspicions as of‍ the regional director’s link to Peevski.

Is the smuggling​ channel⁤ limited to Plovdiv?

No.demerdzhiev asserts the smuggling‌ channel operates nationwide and ‌facilitates the transport of illegal goods throughout the European Union.⁣ This suggests a sophisticated and organized network.

What is the significance of⁤ “ABT Commerce EOOD” and Ivan Petleshkov in this ‌case?

Demerdzhiev called for an investigation into the company, “ABT Commerce​ EOOD,” suggesting a ⁤potential connection to Ivan Petleshkov. This is another example of the depth of connections within​ the⁣ smuggling operation, according to⁢ Demerdzhiev.

Why is ⁤the Sofia Interior directorate handling⁣ the Plovdiv ⁣case instead of the Plovdiv⁣ directorate?

The fact⁤ that the investigation ‌is being conducted by the sofia ⁢Interior Directorate (not the Plovdiv directorate) has led to more ‌questions. ‍Demerdzhiev questioned the reasons ‍behind​ this decision,⁤ hinting at potential interference or protection.

What is the relationship between Deputy Director Miroslav Dimitrov and Ivan ‌Petleshkov?

Demerdzhiev inquired about any potential connections between Deputy Director Miroslav Dimitrov (also known as “Miro Tiger”) and⁣ Ivan Petleshkov.‌ This suggests that there may be personal connections that could be influencing the investigation.

Who​ is Ivan Petleshkov, and what’s his influence in this case?

Demerdzhiev describes Petleshkov as a local power broker in Plovdiv. He alleges Petleshkov’s involvement extends to ⁢establishing a media outlet and a political ​party to further ‍his ⁣interests. Demerdzhiev is concerned about Petleshkov’s alleged influence within the Plovdiv municipal ⁣government and beyond.

What ‌is the hoped-for resolution to this case?

Demerdzhiev expresses hope that the European Public‌ Prosecutor’s Office, led by Laura Kövesi, will thoroughly investigate the case. He believes the Bulgarian institutions are too weak to handle it successfully on ‍their own.

Why is this case vital for Bulgaria?

This case is critical because it touches upon several issues:

Corruption: Allegations of ⁤bribery and misconduct within the‍ police force hurt any country’s standing.

Smuggling: The issue extends beyond Plovdiv’s⁤ borders and threatens the EU.

* Political Influence: The former minister’s⁣ statement casts light on the interference of politicians in law enforcement.

How Can I Stay Updated on This Case?

To stay informed, follow reputable Bulgarian news sources and international news outlets that cover Bulgarian politics. Look for updates from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.