site.btaNikola "Paskal" Nikolov Held in Custody at National Investigative Service, Defence Lawyer Galya Galabova Says

Nikola "Paskal" Nikolov is being held in custody at the National Investigative Service in Sofia, his lawyer Galya Galabova told BTA on Wednesday. He has been detained on a prosecutor’s order for up to 72 hours. The prosecution is expected to request Paskal be placed under permanent custody.

Nikola "Paskal" Nikolov, former Customs Agency head Petya Bankova, and Stefan and Marin Dimitrovi have been charged with participating in an organized crime group for influence peddling, smuggling, bribery.

On July 18, the Sofia Appellate Court finally authorized the issuance of a European arrest warrant for Nikola “Paskal” Nikolov. In February, the Belgrade Appellate Court ruled that Nikola Nikolov should be released under house arrest for health reasons and due to his long stay in custody.

On November 5, 2024, Petya Bankova was charged with a new smuggling offense. Bankova and Marin Dimitrov are currently in custody.