Haskovo Court releases five suspects in customs fraud case on bail

The Haskovo District Court has denied the prosecution's request to detain five individuals accused of participating in a scheme to divert and resell confiscated contraband goods. The goods, which were seized at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing and intended for destruction, were allegedly misappropriated by an illegal network.

The court ruled that there is insufficient evidence to establish the existence of a structured organized criminal group. Furthermore, the magistrates noted that the defendants have no prior criminal records, maintain permanent residences in the country, and do not pose a flight risk.

Instead of detention, the court imposed a total of 42,000 euros in monetary bail. This includes 20,000 euros for a technical inspector at the Kapitan Andreevo customs point, 10,000 euros each for a customs official from the Lesovo checkpoint and a manager of a private company, and 1,000 euros each for two company employees. The decision is subject to appeal before the Plovdiv Court of Appeal.