site.btaUnderworld Boss Severely Wounded in Shootout in Sunny Beach

Underworld Boss Severely Wounded in Shootout in Sunny Beach

Sofia, June 9 (BTA) - Underworld boss Dimiter Zhelyazkov, aka "Mityo the Eyes", was severely wounded and hospitalized in critical condition during a shootout in the seaside resort of Sunny Beach on Wednesday. During the same shooting, a 46-year old man (Zhelyazkov's bodyguard) was killed, the Bourgas Regional
Directorate of the Interior Ministry said. Another two of Zhelyazkov's bodyguards were injured less seriously.

Shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Zhelyazkov, accompanied by some 30-40 of his associates, clashed with about a dozen aides to the owner of the 4you Diner & Bar in Sunny Beach, Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Georgi Kostov explained to journalists in Bourgas. Zhelyazkov wore a bulletproof vest but
nevertheless sustained three gunshot wounds: in the stomach, bladder and one leg. He is now in intensive care at the Bourgas hospital and his condition remains critical.

On Thursday, Kostov said on Nova Television that a parking argument between Zhelyazkov's daughter's boyfriend and the proprietor of the eatery led to a fist fight which escalated into an exchange of fire. The Chief Secretary dismissed speculation that the reason was a drugs turf war or protection racketeering. According to media reports, Zhelyazkov and his menappeared at the eatery wearing flak jackets and armed with knives and axes.

Zhelyazkov, 42, is allegedly involved in running prostitutes but has been investigated for other criminal activities as well. He has been convicted of leading an organized crime group for drugs dealing and money laundering.

The Bourgas District Prosecution Office has charged a 31-year old man with the bodyguard's murder.

Bourgas Police Chief Kaloyan Kaloyanov told a news conference that ten people have been arrested in connection with the shootout and that the police are looking for eight more suspects.

Prosecutor Lyubomir Petrov said that surveillance tapes have been confiscated and that 30 shell casings, a knife and three guns have been found at the scene.

Speaking ahead of an international forum on gas infrastructure, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov downplayed the incident in the Sunny Beach resort as "a squabble between a prospective son-in-law and an ex convict" and pledged that all luxury cars in the resort will be checked by the tax authorities.