site.btaPolice Question Former Finance Minister Goranov about Vehicle Arrested at Bulgaria-Serbia Border

Sofia, January 20 (BTA) - Former Bulgarian Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov went to the General Directorate National Police on Thursday to give explanations regarding the car he was stopped in at the end of 2021 at the Kalotina border checkpoint, as the vehicle was reported stolen, he told reporters before entering the police building.  Goranov only used the Toyota Land Cruiser, imported in 2020. Two examinations of the car prove that it was not manipulated in any way.   

Goranov was stopped at the Kalotina Checkpoint (on Bulgaria's border with Serbia) on December 18 when the leased SUV he was driving proved to be reported as stolen and wanted by Interpol Russia. He returned from the checkpoint, left the car in Dragoman and then crossed the border by another car.  

Asked whether the statement of Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov that the car was registered before the date of manufacture was true, Goranov explained that he could not know, but if it was true, it only "proves the thesis of the importer of the car that it has been cloned". He said this is probably the result of document fraud and added that currently the car is detained by the police.  

Goranov explained that the car had been declared wanted by the Republic of Mordovia (part of the Russian Federation) and that he was surprised by this fact. He pointed out that the car was registered twice in Bulgaria by the owners of "Moto-Pfohe" - when it was imported and when his name as a user was added to the registration certificate. According to Goranov, no problem was found in both registrations.  

The ex-minister also said that the border policeman who examined the car at the Kalotina checkpoint told him: "I was ordered to turn you away." Goranov added that he did not know who gave the order and pointed out that the Ministry of Interior should be asked about it.  

Goranov said he had come to the police three times to give explanations on the case.  

He denied the accusations by gambling mogul Vassil Bojkov that he had personally given Goranov a bribe, meant for Boyko Borissov. Goranov added that he had been questioned three times by the prosecutor's office on these allegations.  

DD/MT