site.btaSvilengrad Customs Chief Arrested on Corruption and Smuggling Allegations

Svilengrad Customs Chief Arrested on Corruption and Smuggling Allegations

Sofia, January 29 (BTA) - Todor Karaivanov, the Customs director
 in Svilengrad (Southern Bulgaria), was arrested by the State
Agency for National Security (SANS) on Wednesday evening, Darik
Radio reported. He is suspected of bribery and smuggling,
according to unofficial reports.

Reportedly, Karaivanov held marked banknotes. The bribe has been
 linked to smuggling through the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint on
the border with Turkey.

The Customs Agency has not been informed about the SANS
operation and its Director Vanyo Tanov was unavailable for
comment.

Karaivanov was appointed acting director of the Svilengrad
Customs last autumn and was recently given an award for his
professionalism.