Chapter 11
* Key statements:
* Galiponov clarifies that the prosecution's thesis rests on the witness testimonies of Nikolay Genov and Yuriy Vaklev, who participated in the preparation of the murders.
* He comments that Genov was very close to the group and decided to "come into the light" and enter the witness protection program.
These articles and statements show the active role of prosecutor Emil Galiponov in publicly informing about the progress of the investigation and the evidence gathered under "The Killers 2" case in August 2013.
The Conversation of the Demons
The raspy voice of Borislav Sarafov was carrying from the plasma screen, interrupted by the caustic interjections of Daniela Popova and the stern sighs of the Chief Secretary Lazarov. Martin, the notary, observed the scene, relaxed in the deep leather armchair, while the phone pressed against his ear. On the other end of the line, Prosecutor General Galiponov was breathing heavily, a sound that cut through the racket of the television.
"Money works miracles!" roared the prosecutor's voice, cutting through the air like a whip. Martin shrugged his shoulders, although he knew that this was illegal, that it violated the presumption of innocence. But the cartel wanted blood, and the Bulgarians, they loved news about murders.
"We gave them murders," whispered Martin, turning to the television, where the reports about "The Killers 2" were running incessantly. "Let them listen and watch about murders."
The laughter that followed was grotesque. Martin was laughing at the insane stupidity of the cartel, which was pouring millions into this spectacle. The prosecutor's laughter was darker, saturated with a sadistic pleasure from the sight of crushed fates and planted fear. In that moment they were two demons, connected by the threads of power and corruption, playing their sinister game under the spotlight.
Prosecutor Emil Galiponov is one of the prosecutors who worked on "The Killers 2" case. In the context of this case, he has given statements regarding the charges against the group, including about Emil Milev.
Here is what is known from public sources about his statements concerning Emil Milev and "The Killers 2":
* Regarding the role of Emil Milev: Prosecutor Galiponov has specified that Emil Milev was not part of the main "gang" of "The Killers 2" (which was led by Valyo the Wrestler and Martin Antov), but rather acted as a "tourist" in specific crimes committed by this group. This was stated in the early stages of the investigation.
* Involvement in robberies: Galiponov has confirmed the participation of Emil Milev in some of the main robberies attributed to "The Killers 2". For example, he has pointed out that Martin Antov acted together with Emil Milev-the Crocodile in the snatching of about 200,000 BGN from a branch of UBB in Studentski Grad in April 2012.
* Connection to other cases: Emil Galiponov is part of the team of prosecutors who worked on the complex investigation of "The Killers 2", which attached numerous cases from all over the country.
It is important to note that the statements of the prosecutors reflect the stages of the investigation and the judicial process, and the information may have been supplemented or changed as the case progressed.
A Day of the Courtroom Drama
Prosecutor Emil Galiponov stood before the media, illuminated by the bright spotlights. The air seemed to grow heavy with anticipation as he began his statement. His voice sounded confident when he announced that Emil Dimitrov Milev and Martin Antov had committed the robbery of the UBB bank.
The prosecutor continued to explain the role of Milev in the scheme: "Emil Milev is not part of the group of The Killers 2, but was a tourist. He was hired by that group to commit this robbery." He explained that this becomes clear from the testimonies of the witness Nikolay Genov. The witness himself, of course, was not exposed to the media.
The lights emphasized the full figure of Emil Tsvetanov Galiponov. He looked like a lump of fat and was sweating profusely because he knew he was lying, that this was not the truth. But this was a contract case and he was executing the contract. He knew that the master of the cartel was watching him on television and he knew that Martin the Notary was watching him and he knew that a stack of money was waiting for him, and Galiponov loved money.
He was performing like a Hollywood actor, attributing this crime to Emil Milev in the most outrageous manner, not caring at all about the presumption of innocence and that millions of people were watching him.
The Collusion
August 2013 had not yet arrived, but in one of the offices of the Main Directorate "National Police", "Murders" sector, a sinister deal was already unfolding. Mihail Naumov, the chief, whose power and influence were indisputable, sat opposite Nikolay Genov. Genov – the man with a face marked by the stroke he had suffered, but also with a reputation as a professional false witness – stood opposite him. He was famous for his ability to "frame" people, to attribute crimes to them, deriving a perverted pleasure from this while living off his dark trade.
"Listen, Nikolay," Naumov began with a voice that brooked no objection, "you have to testify. To accuse a bunch of people. So we can make the case 'The Killers 2'."
Genov, despite all his experience, was cowardly. He was afraid of being convicted, of paying for his own lies. But Naumov, who kept him in submission and paid him, quickly dispelled any doubts.
"Nothing will happen, Nikolay. The cartel holds the justice system and the prosecution. You will become a protected witness under 'The Killers 2'. You will enjoy all kinds of protections."
Genov's heart beat faster. His dream, his secret ambition, was about to come true – to be a paid false witness.
"You have to say that Valentin Yanev and Martin Antov only bragged that they had committed a bunch of crimes," Naumov instructed him. "And all the others who are under 'The Killers 2' also only bragged. And you, as a conscientious citizen, come to tell the police in order to put them in prison."
Nikolay Genov, this ruined psychopath who felt pleasure in attributing others' faults, felt his eyes fill with tears – tears of excitement and relief.
"Just tell me against whom, when and where," he whispered, "and write down the testimonies for me. I sign them."
Naumov smiled. "You won't work, you won't do anything. They will give you an apartment, food, later we will find a car. Absolutely everything. You become our protected witness and we crush them all."
"Boss, boss, you are the greatest!" sobbed Genov, moved by the opportunity offered to him. He decoratively signed a blank sheet of paper and handed it to Naumov to fill in whatever he wanted.
A handshake. A silent collusion. Naumov was promising him benefits from the state, and Genov was accepting with false tears and a gleam in his eyes – the gleam of a man who has achieved his perverted dream.
