Influenza Postpones Bulgarian Mafia Boss Trial

In 2008, Zhelyazkov was sentenced to 4,5 years in jail after confessing to the charges of heading an organized crime group involved in drug dealing. Photo by BGNES

The new trial against Black Sea crime boss Dimitar Zhelyazkov, aka Mityo "Ochite" ("The Eyes") has been postponed due to his influenza symptoms.

The trial in the Bulgarian city of Burgas was supposed to tackle Zhelyazkov's allegedly illegal property, but a medical document was shown in the courtroom, stating that he suffers from headache and high body temperature.

Between 2000-2007 Zhelyazkov acquired property through illegal activities for which he already has been sentenced. Several relatives of his were charged with helping him to launder the money.

In 2008, Zhelyazkov was sentenced to 4,5 years in jail, a sentence he is still serving, after confessing to the charges of heading an organized crime group involved in drug dealing.

Key trials against alleged mafia bosses and members of the Bulgarian underworld have often failed to kick off and develop due to the defense constantly presenting evidence for different illnesses, including trials against the notorious "Marguin brothers" (Krasimir Marinov and Nikolay Marinov.)

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