August 11, 2024, 9:43 PM
Suspect Accused of Human Trafficking, Demands Compensation
Vasil Levski, who was previously acquitted of migrant trafficking, was recently detained near the village of Karlovy Vary. He ordered the prosecution to pay him BGN 8,000 after being accused of being involved in a car with seven Moroccans.
The incident occurred on November 3, 2022, when Levski was driving an Audi and was detained alongside the driver of a Volkswagen. The seven Moroccans were found in the other car. The driver of the Audi was accused of being a “breakaway,” meaning he was surveilling the police to see if they would intervene.
Levski was eventually released on January 12, 2023, and was later acquitted by both the District Court in Karlovo and the District Court in Plovdiv. The Moroccans and another guide claimed they did not know Levski. Following his arrest, the Audi driver admitted to discarding his phone when he saw armed men, but no attempt was made to retrieve it. Both courts ultimately found insufficient evidence to convict Levski.
After his acquittal, Levski filed a lawsuit for BGN 60,000 in compensation, claiming he was humiliated and unfairly targeted. However, the District Court in Plovdiv ruled that a fair compensation is BGN 8,000. This decision can be challenged by Levski.