By David Sophrin
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe
SOFIA, Bulgaria – A Bulgarian investigative journalist and radio host, who has written a number of books exposing the extent and influence of organized crimes in Bulgaria, was killed by a number of unknown gunmen in Bulgaria’s capital city of Sofia today. Boris Tsankov, 30, was killed at the entrance of a federal government building in the center of the city. Two of Tsankov’s bodyguards were also wounded.
Tsankov’s books have focused on the influence that organized crime elements hold in Bulgaria. His most recent book, entitled The Secrets of the Mobsters, resulted in Tsankov receiving a number of death threats in recent years, including the bombing of his home in 2006. Stefan Bonov, a known criminal leader in the country, was arrested in November of this past year for threatening Tsankov. Tsankov’s writing have also discussed connections between prominent Bulgarian businessmen and known criminal persons. In a recent interview, Tskankov claimed to have specific information regarding internal struggles within Bulgaria’s criminal leaders, as well as information gleaned from a meeting he conducted with former Yugoslavian leader Slobodan Milosevic’s son.
Bulgaria has experienced an increased number of targeted killings in 2008. In all, approximately 150 contract killings have taken place since 2001. Of the suspects arrested in these murders, hardly any have been convicted.
The newly elected center-right government of Bulgaria, led by Prime Minister Boiko Borisov, has promised to do more to prevent these targeted killings and fight the continued existence and influence of organized crime and corruption in the country. Recently, the European Union has called on this government to do more to fight this corruption and the country’s criminal elements. Concern over continued corruption recently resulted in the EU cutting large amounts of funding that had been appropriated to Bulgaria.
While Tsankov’s writings appear to be the likely explanation for his assassination, some have suggested others reasons motivations for his killing. At the time of his death, Tsankov allegedly owed money to a number of parties who had sponsored his radio program.
The government’s investigation into Tsankov’s murder is currently ongoing.
For more information, please see:
IRISH TIMES – Author of book on local mafia shot dead in Bulgaria – 6 December 2010
BBC – Bulgaria journalist Boris Tsankov gunned down in Sofia – 5 December 2010
FINANCIAL TIMES – Gunman kill investigative journalist – 5 January 2010
SOFIA ECHO – Former radio host shot dead in Sofia – 5 January 2010
