site.btaSuspected Smuggler Nikola "Paskal" Nikolov Released on BGN 50,000 Bail

The Sofia City Court set a BGN 50,000 bail on suspected smuggler Nikola "Paskal" Nikolov on Saturday.

According to the court, there is no risk that Nikolov may abscond, but he might commit another crime. The court concluded that the possibility could be addressed with a restraint measure other than remand in custody. The decision is appealable at a higher court.

Nikolov faces charges of participating in an organized crime group, smuggling and possession of excise goods.

On August 27, Nikolov was extradited from Serbia to Bulgaria and was detained for up to 72 hours. On August 28, he was questioned by the Anti-Corruption Commission in Sofia for over three hours.

Reasoning on its bail decision on Saturday, the Sofia City Court said that few witnesses in the case had mentioned Nikolov, and they gave no concrete details about his suspected offences. Nikolov had told the Anti-Corruption Commission that he provided only logistical support such as trucks and drivers. This was confirmed by three witnesses, the judge said.

Customs Agency employees who were interviewed during the investigation gave evidence about many channels for smuggling excisable goods, the judge also said. According to the court, the Interior Ministry did not search for Nikolov in earnest while he was in Bulgaria.

Prosecutor Marina Nenkova said that Nikolov’s job in the crime ring was to organize the smuggling channels and provide protection.

Approached by journalists after the court hearing, Nikolov’s lawyer Dimitar Markovski said the bail decision conforms to the law and they will probably not appeal it.