Chapter 9
The Noose of "The Killers": Media, Fear, and a Summer in Bulgaria (2013)
The summer of 2013 came to Bulgaria with heat and hope for rest, but beneath the surface of carelessness, something cold and sinister was rising. In the shadows of justice, invisible to most, a new, dark story was beginning to weave. It would forever change the perception of justice and leave a bitter taste in anyone who dared to follow it.
Case "The Killers 2": Spotlight on the Underworld
Then, in 2013, like a bolt from the blue, the case "The Killers 2" exploded in the media. It was like a window into a dark, unknown world where contract killings were ordered and robberies were a daily occurrence. The newspapers, especially "Standart", did not stop spewing details about it.
The main actors, according to what was written in the media, were two men – Martin Antov and Valentin Yanev, known as Valyo the Wrestler. They were pointed out as leaders of an entire criminal group that, according to the charges, had been operating since 2006.
"Standart" and other newspapers told sinister stories that froze the blood:
Murders: How Yordan Tsonkov – Dzhidzhi (a well-known thief from the Sofia neighborhood of Lyulin) was killed in 2009. How Kocho Mihaylov – Chocho the Fat (a drug dealer from the Sv. Troitsa neighborhood) was shot with 20 bullets in 2010. And how Tsvetan Pantov (a usurer) died during a robbery near Vidin back in 2006. All these details were presented in such a way that there was no doubt about their "exploits".
Robberies: How in 2012 215 000 BGN were stolen from a UBB branch in Studentski Grad, and also about an attempt to steal an expensive car.
We also remember that the media, referring to allegations from the investigation, mentioned that the orders for these murders came from a certain Anton Petrov – The Hamster, who wanted to expand his drug business. It was even claimed that Valyo the Wrestler was a mediator between The Hamster and another man – Hristo Vartenyan – The Jesus, who later disappeared without a trace.
Behind the Scenes of Justice: Judicial Postponements and "New" Evidence
In 2013, the judicial machine for "The Killers 2" was just gaining momentum. In August of that year, "Standart" and other newspapers reported that the court had postponed the case against "the new killers" (as "The Killers 2" were sometimes called). The reason – "new evidence". Then the news about the arrest of a gang of 15 people engaged in "contract killings, beatings, car thefts, and robberies" broke out. All this showed that the investigation was in full swing.
The media were full of details from witness testimonies, which were often confused and contradictory. In August 2013, "Standart" wrote about "new canaries" who "sink The Killers 2", describing how Yordan Tsonkov-Dzhidzhi was betrayed by his own people because of a theft of drugs and gold, which led to his execution. But even then, the more observant could notice certain discrepancies.
Towards the end of the year, in November, the Varna Appellate Court also postponed a case against "The Killers" (often called "The Killers 1", but in summary articles there could be references to "The Killers 2" as well). The reasons were always the same – "late submission of additional motives", "need for the defense to get acquainted". For us, ordinary people, this sounded like bureaucracy, but now we know that something else was often hidden behind these delays.
The Series "The Killers": An Endless Narrative of Crime
In 2013, the media began to talk not only about "The Killers 2", but also about "The Killers 3", and then even about "The Killers 4". These were not always brand new, separate cases with separate defendants. Rather, they were like sequels – new charges against the same or related people, or new groups operating in the same brutal way. "24 Chasa" for example, in November 2013, published an article entitled "The Killers 4 arrested also in 2011 as The Killers 2 for the murder of a businessman", which clearly showed how the media connected and renumbered the groups.
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All these cases had one thing in common: the charges were always under Article 321 of the Penal Code – for participation in an organized crime group. This was the "golden key" that sent the cases straight to the Specialized Court, created supposedly to fight the biggest criminals.
Of course, the charges were heavy: drugs, racketeering, extortion, arsons, and a bunch of other crimes that instilled fear among the people.
The Media Storm: When News Became a Weapon
Throughout this time, the media were like a raging storm. They did not just inform, they waged war. There were clear goals. Certain prosecutors and police officers were presented as "mafia fighters", creating a feeling in us that the state was working. At the same time, the defendants were drawn as monsters, often with "leaked" information from the investigation that blackened them. The truth was often twisted to serve someone's interests.
In 2013, when the names of "The Killers" echoed from every screen and newspaper page, Bulgaria was indeed plunged into darkness. Justice was a dance between someone's interests and the obedience of certain magistrates, and the media were the conductors of the orchestra that played a false symphony of fighting crime. People believed what they saw on television, without suspecting that a completely different play was being written behind the curtain – a play in which justice was just a commodity.
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The Whisper of Fear: A Meeting in the Shadows of the Notary
After the "Standart" newspaper spewed its next article about "The Killers 2" case, the air in the office of Martin Bozhanov-The Notary grew even heavier. It was not from the heat of the summer of 2013, but from the feeling of an impending storm that had to be controlled. Before him, with faces marked by power and cynicism, sat the Prosecutor – looking like a man used to pulling strings, and the Boss of the Cartel – a figure whose power was felt in every fold of his expensive suit.
The Notary, who until recently was the master of ordered justice, now sat like a diligent student, ready to absorb instructions.
"Martin," the Prosecutor began, his voice quiet but firm as steel, "did you see what they wrote? They are making noise, asking questions..."
The Boss of the Cartel smiled slightly, showing no emotion. "That is why you are here, Notary. To maintain order. To show them that this is our game. And now, they want more."
The Notary nodded. "I understand. 'The Killers 2' case... the media are chewing on it. People are starting to ask questions."
"Exactly," the Boss of the Cartel continued, leaning back. "And we must give them answers. But not just any answers. We need to sow fear. Fear in the minds and souls of the people."
The Prosecutor leaned forward, his eyes shining in the semi-darkness of the office. "Remember, Martin, money is the main weapon. Now, more than ever, you must maintain the media publications. To talk. To write. Every day. But not the truth, our version of it."
"So... more bribes for journalists? More 'leaks' of information?" – the Notary asked, although he knew the answer.
"Precisely!" – the Prosecutor replied. "An image must be created. An image of an omnipotent crime against which we are fighting 'successfully'. To talk about 'new revelations', about 'tireless efforts of the prosecutor's office'. Even when these 'revelations' are half-truths, and the efforts – directed in a completely different direction."
The Boss of the Cartel added in an icy tone: "We want people to tremble. To feel helpless before the 'mafia' that we supposedly control. Not to know who is a villain and who is a hero. To fear even thinking of opposing us. When they are scared, they are submissive. And submissive people do not ask questions about justice."
The Notary stood up, taking several thick envelopes from his safe. Inside was the money. "So, more of the same. More noise, more fear. So they think we control the chaos, while in fact we create it."
"You understood me perfectly, Martin," the Prosecutor said with a slight smile. "You are our cashier, but also our messenger. You are the one who turns money into terror. Go and scatter these seeds of fear. Let them sprout deep into people's consciousness."
When the Prosecutor and the Boss of the Cartel left, the Notary's office remained quiet, but filled with invisible energy. He was ready to fulfill his task. In his hands now was not only the cash desk of ordered justice, but also the key to people's souls – a key that unlocked their greatest fear. And he knew how to use it.
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Of course, here is a chronology of the statements of Borislav Sarafov, Emil Galiponov, Daniela Popova, and the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior (at that time Svetlozar Lazarov) on "The Killers 2" case (often also called "The Killers 3" in the context of the Pernik group, which was also active at that time).
It is important to note that the chronology is based on publicly available media publications from 2013 (such as "Standart", "24 Chasa", "Monitor", "PIK", BNT, and others). Some statements may have been given within the framework of more general press conferences on the fight against crime.
Key Context:
August 2013: Uncovering of the group for contract killings, connected with Valentin Yanev-Valyo the Wrestler and Martin Antov. This is "The Killers 2" or "The Killers 3" in this context.
October 2013: The appointment of Daniela Popova as head of the Appellate Specialized Prosecutor's Office.
Actors at that time:
Borislav Sarafov: Deputy of the Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov (from 2013).
Emil Galiponov: Prosecutor in the Specialized Prosecutor's Office, directly involved in the case.
Daniela Popova: At that time deputy head, and from October 2013 head of the Appellate Specialized Prosecutor's Office.
Svetlozar Lazarov: Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior (from 2013 to 2015).
Chronology of Statements (2013):
Beginning of August 2013: Busting of "The Killers 2/3" group
On August 6, 2013 (Tuesday):
Borislav Sarafov (Deputy of the Chief Prosecutor):
Statement: Confirms the busting of a new criminal group for contract killings and serious crimes, known as "The Killers 3" (in the context of the Pernik group, but later a connection to the Wrestler's group is also revealed). Announces detained persons and solved murders (e.g., of Yordan Tsonkov-Dzhidzhi and Kocho Mihaylov-Chocho).
Context: At a press conference, together with the then Interior Minister Tsvetlin Yovchev and the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Svetlozar Lazarov. They announce the active investigation of "cold cases".
Sources: "Standart", "24 Chasa", BNT (archives)
Svetlozar Lazarov (Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior):
Statement: Confirms Sarafov's information about the busted group and emphasizes the good coordination between the Ministry of Interior and the prosecutor's office. Points out that the uncovering is the result of prolonged operational work.
Context: At the same press conference with Borislav Sarafov and Tsvetlin Yovchev.
Sources: "Standart", "24 Chasa", BNT (archives)
Mid-August 2013: Details on charges and witness testimonies
Around August 8-9, 2013:
Emil Galiponov (Prosecutor from the Specialized Prosecutor's Office):
Statement: Reveals details of the charges against Valentin Yanev-Valyo the Wrestler and Martin Antov, as well as the collected evidence and witness testimonies about the murders of Yordan Tsonkov-Dzhidzhi (shot) and Kocho Mihaylov-Chocho (suffocated with a plastic bag).
Context: Before journalists after hearings in the Specialized Criminal Court to determine remand measures. Points out that Valyo the Wrestler is the contractor, and Martin Antov – the executor.
Sources: "Monitor", "PIK", "Blitz" (articles from August 8-9, 2013)
Borislav Sarafov (Deputy of the Chief Prosecutor):
Statement: In separate media appearances or interviews, completes the picture of the group's activity. Confirms the seriousness of the charges and the collected evidence. May have commented on connections of the group with other criminal circles.
Sources: "Standart", "24 Chasa" (articles from August 2013, often quoting Sarafov on the topic).
September - October 2013: Development of the case and news from the prosecutor's office
September 2013:
Borislav Sarafov: Continues to inform the media about the progress of the investigation into "The Killers 2/3" and other significant cases. Emphasizes the efforts of the prosecutor's office to deal with organized crime.
October 2013:
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Daniela Popova (After her election as head of the Appellate Specialized Prosecutor's Office):
Statement: Probably introductory statements as a head, in which she may have commented on the priorities of the Appellate Specialized Prosecutor's Office, including the effective completion of cases like "The Killers 2". She would be involved in the general supervision and management of the work on these cases.
Context: At press conferences or briefings after her official appointment.
Sources: "Praven Sviat", "Dnevnik", "Mediapool" (articles from October 2013 regarding her election and taking office).
Emil Galiponov: Continues his work on the case. Any statements from him will be related to the course of the pre-trial proceedings, new interrogations or expertise.
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The first public statement that marks the beginning of the wide media coverage of "The Killers 2" case (related to the group of Valentin Yanev-Valyo the Wrestler and Martin Antov) was made on:
Thursday, August 1, 2013
On this date, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarafov and Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Svetlozar Lazarov hold a joint press conference in the Palace of Justice.
During this press conference they announce:
The busting of a criminal group for contract killings.
The bringing of charges against 15 people, with Valentin Yanev-Valyo the Wrestler being the leader of the group.
The uncovering of the murders of the safe-cracker Yordan Tsonkov-Dzhidzhi (2009) and of Kocho Mihaylov (2009), in which Valyo the Wrestler also participated.
The involvement of Martin Antov in part of the crimes.
The uncovering of a prepared strike against two people related to the deal for the "Doverie" pension fund, which was thwarted.
This statement was widely reported by all leading Bulgarian media on the very same day, as it was a major blow against organized crime and the uncovering of high-profile murders.
In some media later
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