site.btaSofia Appellate Court Extends Indefinitely Former Customs Agency Director Bankova's Detention

The Sofia Appellate Court Thursday extended indefinitely the detention of former Customs Agency director Petya Bankova and businessman Stefan Dimitrov. The decision is not subject to appeal.

Dimitrov told the court that he was worried about his health, as he had fainted several times during his stay in custody and was not feeling well. The court explained that there was no evidence that the health condition of either of the two defendants would prevent the execution of the ordered measure.

Earlier in the day, it became known that Bankova has been charged with a second charge - coercion.

On April 4, Bankova was detained for 72 hours and charged with involvement in an organized crime group for influence peddling, smuggling and bribery with three other people, including Stefan Dimitrov.

On April 6, Sofia City Court remanded Bankova and Dimitrov in custody.