Wanted gambling tycoon Bozhkov also investigated for murder, rape and coercion

The wanted Bulgarian gambling tycoon, Vassil Bozhkov has been investigated for murder, attempted murder, rape and coercion. The Prosecutor’s office on February 4 said that the materials for the investigation of the "gambling affair" were separated in a new pre-trial proceeding. The state prosecution is gathering evidence that an organized crime group with Bozhkov's involvement in the perpetration of these crimes has existed since 2017. The chief prosecutor told BNT that the killings were related to competition in the gambling business.

Interviews with witnesses, as well as evidence seized from Vassil Bozhkov's properties and offices, prompted investigators to launch a new investigation into involvement in an organized crime group for murder, attempted murder, rape and extortion.

According to BNT sources, the materials from the investigation into the attempted assault against Manol Velev were also demanded, since with his casinos he was a direct competitor of Vassil Bozhkov. Several other unsolved killings of gambling players are also in the focus of the investigators.

Ivan Geshev, Chief Prosecutor: Mr. Bozhkov is perhaps one of the most dangerous Bulgarians in history after 1989 (period of transition to democracy).

Geshev also commented that Bozhkov's extradition depends entirely on the United Arab Emirates, and the Bulgarian Prosecutor's office prepares the documents required to be sent to the authorities there.

Ivan Geshev, Chief Prosecutor: The UAE reacted very quickly, for which I thank them. I am sure this country will extradite the accused Bozhkov.