Gaming czar Vassil Bozhkov, 67, was detained upon his return to Bulgaria from self-imposed exile, the Sofia prosecutor’s office said on August 25. Bozhkov left for Dubai three years ago after 18 charges were filed against him, including extortion and attempted bribery. Bozhkov’s lawyer confirmed his client had been detained but declined to say whether the wealthy businessman had made a deal with authorities, saying only that he wanted to clear his name. Bozhkov earlier said he was ready to return to Bulgaria as a “protected witness” to testify against former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, whom he accused of blackmailing him for several years. Britain and the United States have sanctioned Bozhkov on corruption allegations. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Bulgarian Service, click here.
Fugitive Bulgarian Businessman Returns, Immediately Detained By Sofia Authorities
Vasil Bozhkov (center) at Sofia's airport on August 25.