Bulgarian Prosecutors under Scrutiny over 'Octopus' Case

Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor, Boris Velchev, denies the prosecution failed to press sound charges in the high-profile criminal case, previously codenamed "Octopus." Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor, Boris Velchev, informed that the work of all prosecutors involved in the probe against former undercover secret agent and controversial businessman, Aleksei Petrov, is currently under scrutiny.

Velchev spoke for the media Thursday before the meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council, but had been obviously reluctant to answer questions.

On Tuesday, the Sofia Court of Appeals released from jail and placed under house arrest the former employee of the State Agency for National Security (DANS), Aleksei Petrov, who was arrested in February in a police operation codenamed "Octopus."

Velchev declined commenting on the magistrates' decision because the case is not yet closed, adding his office is trying to find out if any prosecutor in the case has acted recklessly and purposely failed to collect evidence.

The Chief Prosecutor further informed a group of pending charges is being currently finalized, but failed to commit to any particular charge or a deadline for their pressing before the court.

Velchev says he did not see any reasons to believe the prosecution failed to press sound charges against Aleksei Petrov.

Earlier Thursday, Sofia City Prosecutor, Nikolay Kokinov, firmly denied his office failed in the investigation of the case and announced the probe would come to conclusion in five weeks.

Meanwhile Bulgaria's conservative leader, Yane Yanev, informed Petrov has asked for his assistance in getting him involved in politics.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!