Bulgaria Notorious Krasio Labeled Judicial Corruption Piggy Bank

Bulgaria's court system is shaken by a corruption scandal involving violations of the ethical code of magistrates. File Photo

The notorious “Krasio from Pleven” who stirred quite a scandal in Bulgaria's judicial system is not dark skinned and not an influential lobbyist, but a piggy bank.

The statement was made by the Chair of the Bulgarian Judges Association, Stoil Sotirov, in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

Krasimir Georgiev aka “Krasio from Pleven” is an individual who, allegedly, offered magistrates to secure their appointment to high ranking positions through the vote of the VSS in exchange for EUR 200 000 in cash.

According to Sotirov, Krasio's moves have been ordered by high-ranking individuals in the judicial system or the political power.

Sotirov further said the revelations about Krasio, made by the member of the Supreme Judicial Council (VSS), Ivan Kolev, during the summer became a huge hurdle for the investigation.

The Judges Chair also pointed out that many of the hone calls made by Krasimir Georgiev to magistrates that later put them in hot water could have been just a provocation to discredit the magistrate in question.

Sotirov stressed on the importance that judicial system employees are on alert about similar attempts that can compromise their professional ethics.

The issues are being discussed Friday during the national meeting of the Judges Association in Bulgaria's second largest city of Plovdiv.

The scandal triggered heated arguments and several resignations after the Chief Prosecutor revealed the names of 13 magistrates and prosecutors, whose phone logs showed they have been in touch with Krasimir Georgiev.