Plovdiv Court releases jeweler Sasho Yankov on 10,000 euro bail

The Plovdiv Appellate Court has released Sasho Yankov, a jeweler from Stolipinovo, from custody, replacing his detention with a 10,000 euro cash bail. Yankov faces charges including participation in an organized criminal group, money laundering, and tax crimes.

Judges ruled that there is currently insufficient evidence to substantiate the charges of leading an organized criminal group or laundering money through real estate transactions. The court noted that the evidence does not allow for a definitive conclusion that the funds used to acquire specific properties were derived from criminal activity. At this stage, the most substantiated allegations pertain to tax crimes.

The court determined that the risk of Yankov committing new crimes or fleeing is minimized, citing his permanent address, family ties, employment, and lack of a prior criminal record. Additionally, the court noted his cooperation with the investigation and referenced European Court of Human Rights practice, suggesting that his period of detention reduced the likelihood of further illegal actions.