Customs Head: 15 Bosses Control Contraband in Bulgaria

Gen. Tanov claims 15 bosses control the smuggling of alcohol, cigarettes, and fuel in Bulgaria. Photo by BGNES

There are 15 major bosses who are in control of smuggling activities in Bulgaria, according to Customs Agency head, Gen. Vanyo Tanov.

Speaking before Darik Radio, Tanov declined to name the contraband bosses in question.

“The bosses of alcohol smuggling are five or six. About as many are those in control of fuel contraband. The figure is basically the same for the main cigarette smugglers, it is not just one person,” Tanov said.

Regarding the corruption in the Customs Agency, Tanov said it worked on two levels. The higher level are consultants and experts on higher positions who are very experienced and very well versed into the legislative matter, and have designed legislative measures so that the high-level corruption cannot be tackled effectively.

The lower level of corruption are the customs officers who do not perform their tasks conscientiously, Tanov explained. He promised that any customs officer who is proven to have shady connections would be removed.

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