Top Sofia Prosecutor: No Drama in Ex 'Octopus' Release

The Sofia City Prosecutor, Nikolay Kokinov, is certain his office has evidence to press charges against Aleksei Petrov. Photo by BGNES

The Sofia City Prosecutor, Nikolay Kokinov, firmly denies his office failed in the investigation of the case of former undercover secret agent and controversial businessman, Aleksei Petrov.

In a Thursday interview for the TV channel bTV, Kokinov said Petrov's release from jail under house arrest does not mean the alleged criminal has walked out free, and he would still face justice.

"There is no drama here," the Prosecutor declared, adding the probe would come to conclusion in five weeks and disproving earlier media reports the charges would be pressed in two weeks as unrealistic.

Kokinov declined commenting on the charges and rejected doubts that the judge, actually, did not read the entire case, which is said to amount to 86 volumes.

"The process of collecting evidence is ongoing. There is evidence in these 86 volumes, otherwise Petrov would be released for good and not placed under house arrest. Of course, every time when a prosecutor goes to the courtroom, they are nervous. This is a competition with the defense counsel," the top Sofia Prosecutor explained.

Kokinov further offered assurances his office and the police have undertaken all necessary measures to guarantee the safety and peace-of-mind of the witnesses, after some of them expressed concern over Petrov's placement under house arrest.

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