Revision as of 17:33, 23 March 2015 editDiscSquare (talk | contribs)46 editsm correct incomplete links and citations← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 03:00, 28 December 2024 edit undoSer Amantio di Nicolao (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Administrators6,318,135 editsm add Category:20th-century Bulgarian sportsmenTag: AWB | ||
(148 intermediate revisions by 66 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Bulgarian businessperson (born 1964)}} | |||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| image = Banev 2011.jpg | | image = Banev 2011.jpg | ||
| imagesize = 180px | | imagesize = 180px | ||
| caption = Banev at a public appearance in 2011 | |||
| birth_name = Evelin Nikolov Banev | | birth_name = Evelin Nikolov Banev | ||
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1964|10|08}} | | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1964|10|08}} | ||
| birth_place = ], ] | | birth_place = ], ] | ||
| other_names = Brendo | | other_names = Brendo | ||
| known for = Multiple criminal drug trafficking convictions; kidnapping of daughter}} | |||
| occupation = ], ] | |||
}} | |||
''' Evelin Banev''' (] ''Евелин Банев''; October 8, 1964), also known by his nickname '''Brendo''', is a businessman, entrepreneur, published author and formerly accused of criminal activities. Banev accumulated his initial capital through a number of successful transactions on the international ] during the ]. After 2001, he shifted to the ]n ] and ]s. In 2015, Banev's first book "I behold the soul of Bulgaria" was published. <ref>{{cite news|title=Брендо издаде книга за "любовта към живота", "родена в затвора"|url=http://www.mediapool.bg/brendo-izdade-kniga-za-lyubovta-kam-zhivota-rodena-v-zatvora-news231496.html|publisher=Mediapool.bg}}</ref> | |||
''' Evelin Banev''' (] ''Евелин Банев''; October 8, 1964), also known by his nickname '''Brendo''' (] ''Брендо'') is a real estate developer, published writer, and former wrestler<ref>{{cite web |title=Проф. Иванов: Книгата на Брендо не е написана от прост човек |url=https://frognews.bg/kultura/art-jungla/prof-ivanov-knigata-brendo-napisana-prost-chovek.html |website=frognews.bg}}</ref> who has been convicted of money laundering and drug trafficking. | |||
Since 2007, Brendo has been a target of criminal charges against him, public ], and ] in Bulgaria. The controversy centered on the legal web in four countries, in which Banev is caught, ranges from speculations for a grand political set-up to speculations for clearing and rearranging of illegal contraband channels. In July 2014, the Sofia Court of Appeal acquitted Banev of all charges against him (including, money laundering) and overturned a seven-and-a-half year sentence issued previously by the Sofia City Court.<ref>{{cite web|title=sofia appeals court overturns money laundering sentence on brendo|url=http://sofiaglobe.com/2014/07/11/sofia-appeals-court-overturns-money-laundering-sentence-on-brendo/|publisher=Sofia Globe}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Митов|first=Борис|title=Брендо получи седем години и половина затвор за пране на пари от наркотрафик|url=http://www.mediapool.bg/brendo-poluchi-sedem-godini-i-polovina-zatvor-za-prane-na-pari-ot-narkotrafik-news202935.html|work=Mediapool.bg|publisher=Mediapool.bg|accessdate=19 May 2014}} ('''Bulgarian''')</ref> | |||
Banev became known for his ] and multiple ]s for ] and ] in ] and ].<ref name="novinite.com">{{cite news|last1=Novinite|title=Italy’s Supreme Court Annuls 20-Year Prison Term of Alleged Drug Lord Evelin Banev|url=http://www.novinite.com/articles/170966/Italy%E2%80%99s+Supreme+Court+Annuls+20-Year+Prison+Term+of+Alleged+Drug+Lord+Evelin+Banev|accessdate=27 September 2015|agency=Sofia News Agency|publisher=novinite.com}}</ref> In July 2014, the ] Court of Appeal acquitted Banev of all criminal charges against him and overturned a seven and a half year sentence issued previously by the Sofia City Court.<ref>{{cite web|title=sofia appeals court overturns money laundering sentence on brendo|url=http://sofiaglobe.com/2014/07/11/sofia-appeals-court-overturns-money-laundering-sentence-on-brendo/|publisher=Sofia Globe}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Митов|first=Борис|title=Брендо получи седем години и половина затвор за пране на пари от наркотрафик|url=http://www.mediapool.bg/brendo-poluchi-sedem-godini-i-polovina-zatvor-za-prane-na-pari-ot-narkotrafik-news202935.html|work=Mediapool.bg|publisher=Mediapool.bg|accessdate=19 May 2014}} ('''Bulgarian''')</ref> In September 2015, Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation annulled his 20-year prison term for drug trafficking and returned the case for retrial to the Appellate Court of Milan.<ref name="novinite.com"/> Banev's prosecutions, criminal activities, and imprisonment have been highly controversial and ]. During his imprisonment, Banev's 10-year-old daughter was abducted and freed after almost two months in captivity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Abductors free daughter|url=http://www.krmagazine.com/2013/04/23/abductors-free-daughter-10-of-bulgaria-drug-lord/|website=krmagazine.com/|publisher=KR Magazine|accessdate=27 September 2015}}</ref> | |||
== Early years and education == | |||
] | |||
In 2015, Banev self-published a book titled ''I Gaze Upon the Soul of Bulgaria'', which he wrote during his time in prison.<ref>{{cite news|title=Брендо издаде книга за "любовта към живота", "родена в затвора"|url=http://www.mediapool.bg/brendo-izdade-kniga-za-lyubovta-kam-zhivota-rodena-v-zatvora-news231496.html|publisher=Mediapool.bg}}</ref> His second book, ''My truth (Part I)'' was published in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Helikon.bg Banev |first=Evelin |date=2018 |title=My truth Part 1 |url=https://m.helikon.bg/200205-%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%A7.1.html}}</ref> | |||
'''Evelin Banev “Brendo”''' was born '''Evelin Nikolov Banev''' on 8 October 1964 in ], ]. He spends his childhood and early teen years in the city of ], where he lives with his mother.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vestnik|first=Kapital|title=Brendo|url=http://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/bulgaria/2007/04/27/335049_brendo/|work=Brendo}}</ref> | |||
On June 24, 2024, Banev voluntarily turned himself in to the Bulgarian authorities in Sofia.<ref name="Development">{{Cite web |last=Development |first=Smart Web, KAK |title=Ексклузивно във Флагман.бг: Евелин Банев-Брендо се яви в Софийския централен затвор, предава се доброволно |url=https://www.flagman.bg/article/324338 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Флагман.Бг - новини за политика, обществен и икономически живот, новини бг |language=bg-BG}}</ref> | |||
In ], at the age of 9, Brendo begins practicing ]. In 1982, he completes his secondary education in Topolovgrad. Between 1982 and 1984, Banev serves his mandatory military term in the city of ]. | |||
== Early life and education == | |||
Since 1985, when he enrolls at the "]", Brendo has lived in ], ]. During his time at the Academy, Banev travels frequently outside of Bulgaria to international camps, tournaments and wrestling competitions representing his club team "Academic - Sofia" and the Bulgarian National Wrestling Team. Banev has been awarded a Master of Sport title in Bulgaria and wrestled in category of 74 kg. under the legendary ]. | |||
Banev was born in ], Bulgaria.<ref name=Kapital>{{cite web|last=Vestnik|first=Kapital|title=Brendo|url=http://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/bulgaria/2007/04/27/335049_brendo/|work=Brendo}}</ref> | |||
Since 1985, when he enrolled to the ], Brendo has lived in ]. During his time at the academy, Banev frequently traveled to international camps, tournaments and wrestling competitions representing his club "Academic - Sofia" and the Bulgarian National Wrestling Team. Banev has been awarded the "Master of Sport" title in Bulgaria and wrestled in the 74 kg category, under the instruction of ].<ref name="24chasa.bg">{{cite news|title=Брендо ходи без охрана, рядко говори по GSM|url=http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=2338358|accessdate=27 September 2015|publisher=24chasa.bg}}</ref> | |||
After the end of his sports career, Banev studies at a Ukrainian institute of economics.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} | |||
== Entrepreneurship == | == Entrepreneurship == | ||
After the 1989 political changes in Eastern Europe, Banev spent most of his time outside of Bulgaria. During that time, Banev accumulated his fortune during the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Who is Evelin Banev|url=http://www.dnevnik.bg/bulgaria/2013/03/05/2015611_koi_e_evelin_banev-brendo/|website=dnevnik.bg|publisher=dnevnik.bg}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news|last1=Hristova|first1=Violina|title=Брендо на свобода, останалите 9-има "Кокаинови крале" зад решетките|url=http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=5001291|accessdate=27 September 2015|agency=24 chasa}}</ref> He is also a real estate investor and entrepreneur involved in multiple projects in Bulgaria's riviera and capital.<ref name="24chasa.bg"/> | |||
== Criminal prosecutions == | |||
After the political changes in 1989, Brendo spends most of his time outside of Bulgaria. By skillfully using his overseas contacts and positions, Banev accumulates hundreds of millions of dollars during the ].{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} | |||
In April 2007, the Sofia City ] indicted Banev for organizing a criminal group and ]. Subsequently, Banev was arrested and released on bail.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brendo Released on Bail|url=http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=197952|work=Darik News}}</ref> | |||
Banev's case caused a media stir again in 2008, when ] agreed to lift its ] and to submit bank documentation to the Bulgarian authorities. Later, it was made public, that in its requests for judicial assistance to Switzerland, the Bulgarian ] has sent false information – i.e. stating that Banev is accused of ] and distribution rather than of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Switzerland Lifts the Bank Secret|url=http://dnes.dir.bg/temite/news/sad-brendo-3728629?tag_id=45223|work=Dnes Dir BG|access-date=2011-08-21|archive-date=2011-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004132015/http://dnes.dir.bg/temite/news/sad-brendo-3728629?tag_id=45223|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Supposedly, Brendo is the mastermind of large ] deals on the stock markets as well as with various international funds. For example: | |||
* He is a silent shareholder in ], the Internet company that was acquired by ] in 1999 for $3.57 billion{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} | |||
As of May 2012, Banev's case was still pending with ]s being postponed at the request of the prosecution. In relation to the case, various Bulgarian media and ] reports commented on the groundless accusations and the ] by the prosecution.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Case Against Brendo Losing Ground|url=http://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/bulgaria/2007/06/22/352099_i_deloto_sreshtu_brendo_izduhva/|work=Capital BG}}</ref> At this time, the Bulgarian authorities initiated operation "Cocaine Kings" with an overwhelming media coverage, including a press conference with the Italian authorities. During the operation, some 30 people were arrested, including Banev. Banev was accused of financing drug trafficking between South America and Europe, and Italy claimed responsibility for criminally charging him.<ref>{{cite web|title=Арестувани са 30 "кокаинови крале"|url=http://www.novini.bg/news/67847-%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%B0-30-%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5-(%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B0).html|publisher=Novini.bg}}</ref> | |||
* Interesting and mystical is Banev’s participation in the mass purchase and resale of shares of the ] ] in 2000 (the original ] of CHF270 reached CHF1050 only in the first day of trading).{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} | |||
Following operation "Cocaine Kings", Italy requested a temporary extradition of Banev, which he and his legal team fought. However, the Bulgarian Court of Appeals confirmed Banev's 1-year extradition to Italy on July 17, 2012, with the condition that he will be returned to Bulgaria when needed for his money laundering trial. The extradition hearing was not without controversy, as the court denied Banev's right to appoint a new defense attorney and rejected the request of the publicly appointed attorney for more time to familiarize herself with the case. Banev was extradited to Italy on July 26, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Court Did Not Give Time to Banev's Defense and Confirmed His Extradition|url=http://legalworld.bg/show.php?storyid=27355}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
Meanwhile, Brendo is also an active figure in speculative deals in Bulgaria. His notorious partnership with Ivan Todorov “The Doctor” is one reason why Brendo is associated with the Bulgarian underground. Banev registers a joint company with The Doctor in 1998, East Finances Ltd, and leaves it a year later.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brendo|url=http://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/bulgaria/2007/04/27/335049_brendo/|work=Capital}}</ref> Allegedly, Brendo and The Doctor are behind the mysterious disappearance of nearly 6000 master boxes of cigarettes and 2 trucks with coffee from a warehouse in ] (stock worth approximately $4.5million).<ref>{{cite web|title=Did Brendo Take the Gold from the Customs Warehouse?|url=http://www.razkritia.com/63284/|work=Stanimir Tanev}}</ref> | |||
In February 2013, Sofia City Court sentenced Banev to {{frac|7|1|2}} years in prison, while acquitting the other 3 people accused with him. Banev's lawyer, Ina Lulcheva, said that the appeal against the finding of the Sofia City Court would be based on a lack of evidence justifying the conviction. That the group had travelled together made them at most a tour group, not an organised crime group, she said.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sofia court jails Brendo| url= http://sofiaglobe.com/2013/02/15/sofia-court-jails-brendo-orders-him-to-pay-21m-leva-in-compensation-for-laundering-money-from-illegal-drug-deals/}}</ref> The defense further stated: | |||
Since about 2000, Banev has systematically been building his empire of successful businesses in Bulgaria. {{citation needed|date=October 2014}} | |||
:"I will not comment on the length of the sentence. The defense pleaded that there is no crime, as such the punishment is not significant. In this case, it is indicative that it was established that there is money laundered from a person, who has never even been questioned or interrogated. We have not asked that he is questioned, because there is no evidence that he has any connections with the defendants; the prosecution did not want his questioning, because in my opinion, they knew that their accusation would not be confirmed. As such, the court accepted that money is laundered from the activity of a person and his group, without even questioning this person".<ref>{{cite news|title=Брендо получи...|url=http://www.mediapool.bg/brendo-poluchi-sedem-godini-i-polovina-zatvor-za-prane-na-pari-ot-narkotrafik-news202935.html|publisher=mediapool.bg}}</ref> | |||
Banev is connected to the leasing company "Private Finance Union" AD (PFU AD) and a number of companies in the construction and real estate sectors. {{citation needed|date=October 2014}} | |||
After a 4-month trial, in July 2013, the Milan City Court sentenced Banev to 20 years in prison for participating in a criminal organization for international drug trafficking.<ref>{{cite web|title=Италия прати Брендо за 20 години в затвора|url=http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=391595|publisher=monitor.bg|access-date=2014-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006090427/http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=391595|archive-date=2014-10-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> Banev's defense attorney stated that, "Banev has not even entered Italy" and that there is not one evidence linking him to the charges. Before the court, his attorney pointed out that all of the Milan prosecutor evidence was coming from Bulgaria, not from Italy - in Italy, Banev was never ], ]ped, followed, or investigated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Брендо дори не е влизал в Италия|url=http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=387977|publisher=monitor.bg|access-date=2014-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419030011/http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=387977|archive-date=2014-04-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Italian judge who sentenced Banev, stated in an interview with a prominent Bulgarian newspaper that he highly recommends that Banev appeals the sentencing because "until now not a single evidence of Banev's guilt has been deposited; Banev has never been caught in the act of crime, and he was sentenced only by the testimonies (which were presumed truthful) of other defendants".<ref>{{cite news|title=Брендо може да е в България през август|url=http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=391717|publisher=monitor.bg|access-date=2013-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225121756/http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=391717|archive-date=2013-12-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
== Public image == | |||
] | |||
Following the trial, Banev was returned to Bulgaria, where in July 2014, the Sofia Court of Appeal ruled him "not guilty" of money laundering and released him on probation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Брендо невинен за пране на париКопирано от standartnews.com|url=http://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-pravosudie/brendo_nevinen_za_prane_na_pari-245793.html|publisher=StandartNews.com}}</ref> | |||
Brendo’s name is often linked to Bulgarian ], ] and ]. Nevertheless, Evelin Banev can rarely be seen with bodyguards. He is usually alone or with friends and does not flaunt money or status. People who know him regard him as extremely smart, cautious, and considerate; his associates insist he has never been a part of the Bulgarian organized groups ] and ].{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} | |||
On September 22, 2015, Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation annulled Banev's 20-year prison term for drug trafficking and ordered a retrial to the Appellate Court of Milan. Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation upheld the sentences of all other people convicted under the "Cocaine Kings" affair.<ref name="novinite.com"/> The court cited that Banev's unjust conviction was due to lack of any evidence and irregularities in the use of facts.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> In annulling his 20-year conviction, the court reported that Banev's ] and ] had led to "antagonisms that motivated incorrect assessment of personality".<ref name="ReferenceA"/> | |||
Banev is not a public figure and avoids the ]. But in October 2008 he has an unprecedented appearance as a guest of Georgi Koritarov in the popular morning show on ] "Hello Bulgaria”. On air, Banev says that he was invited in writing to a meeting with the ] Rumen Petkov, who requested Brendo’s assistance – i.e. to ] against “the Margin” brothers. According to Brendo, his refusal to cooperate with the Minister is the main reason behind the 2007 charges for ] against him.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rumen Petkov Pressured Brendo to False Testify|url=http://www.vesti.bg/?oid=1240076&tid=40|work=Vesti BG}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rumen Petkov Wanted Brendo to Lie|url=http://frognews.bg/news_8349/R_Petkov_iskal_Brendo_da_lajesvidetelstva_sreshtu_Marginite/|work=Frog News}}</ref> | |||
On June 24, 2024, at 7:30 in the morning, Banev surrendered voluntarily to serve his sentence. The 59-year-old Banev was accompanied by Attorney Peter Zafirov. Prepared, Banev carried a huge bag, presumably with personal belongings. Banev identified himself to a reporter and confirmed that he, ''"realizes very well what he is doing"''. Thereafter, he took out his Bulgarian identity card, as well as the necessary documents to identify himself to the guards at the prison checkpoint.<ref name="Development"/> The employees of the General Directorate of Execution of Punishments were among the most surprised. The authorities and the ministry of internal affairs were equally surprised and unprepared for this voluntary action by Banev.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-24 |title=Брендо изненада всички. Предаде се доброволно |url=https://www.mediapool.bg/brendo-iznenada-vsichki-predade-se-dobrovolno-news360461.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Mediapool.bg |language=bg-BG}}</ref> | |||
== Lawsuits == | |||
] | |||
== Counter-allegations == | |||
In April 2007, the Sofia City ] raises charges against Banev for organizing a criminal group and ]. Subsequently, Banev is arrested and released on bail.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brendo Released on Bail|url=http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=197952|work=Darik News}}</ref> | |||
Banev said that he was invited in writing to a meeting with the Interior Minister, Rumen Petkov, who requested Brendo's assistance – i.e. to ] against “the Margin” brothers. According to Banev, his refusal to cooperate with the Minister is the main reason behind the 2007 charges for ] against him.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rumen Petkov Pressured Brendo to False Testify|url=http://www.vesti.bg/?oid=1240076&tid=40|work=Vesti BG}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rumen Petkov Wanted Brendo to Lie|url=http://frognews.bg/news_8349/R_Petkov_iskal_Brendo_da_lajesvidetelstva_sreshtu_Marginite/|work=Frog News}}</ref> | |||
==Kidnapping of Banev's daughter== | |||
Brendo’s case causes a media stir once again in 2008 when ] agreed to lift its ] and to submit bank documentation to the Bulgarian authorities. Later, it was made public, that in its requests for judicial assistance to Switzerland, the Bulgarian ] has sent false information – i.e. stating that Banev is accused of ] and distribution rather than of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Switzerland Lifts the Bank Secret|url=http://dnes.dir.bg/temite/news/sad-brendo-3728629?tag_id=45223|work=Dnes Dir BG}}</ref> | |||
Banev's ten-year-old daughter, Lara, was kidnapped by three masked men at about 7:30 am on March 5, 2013, while leaving her home in Sofia. The men shot her unarmed driver twice in the back.<ref>{{cite web|title=Неизвестни отвлякоха дъщерята на Евелин Банев-Брендо|url=http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=1049974}}</ref> It was the first kidnapping in Bulgaria since 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Световни медии...|url=http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1819650|publisher=24 часа}}</ref> The motives behind the kidnapping were the cause for much speculation. In a televised press conference three days later, Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov stated that, "The kidnapping of Lara is a message to Brendo".<ref>{{cite web|title=Lara's Kidnapping a Message for Brendo|url=http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1824467|publisher=Trud}}</ref> | |||
This leads to the other suspicion - the key politicians of ]'s cabinet in resignation - Prime Minister Borisov himself, Minister of Interior ], and the Chief of the , ]. As stated by Aleksey Petrov, "If Brendo talks about ], ], and ], it will be frightening".<ref>{{cite news|title=If Brendo Talks...|url=http://dnes.dir.bg/news/tzvetan-tzvetanov-alexey-petrov-kokainoviat-kral-brendo-13281737|newspaper=dir.bg}}</ref> The media states that the failing ] party, via its two main figures, Borisov and Tzvetanov, is trying to keep the power and to win the elections at any cost - using a brutal kidnapping as a sign that "without them organized crime is coming back" while sending a signal to Banev to keep quiet.<ref>{{cite web|title=Лара е залог за Цветанов|url=http://www.dennews.bg/news/2013/3/21/12383-aleksei-petrov-lara-e-zalog-za-cvetanov|publisher=днес.бг}}</ref> This message was clearly given by Tzvetanov himself during a TV interview in which he avoided the question "Where is Lara?" several times and finally answered, "What happened is unpleasant, but let's not forget who her father is".<ref>{{cite news|title=отвличането на лара...|url=http://btvnews.bg/article/kriminalno/otvlichaneto-na-lara-veroyatno-e-svarzano-s-deloto-na-bashta-i-v-italiya.html|newspaper=bnews.bg|access-date=2014-04-16|archive-date=2014-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417003856/http://btvnews.bg/article/kriminalno/otvlichaneto-na-lara-veroyatno-e-svarzano-s-deloto-na-bashta-i-v-italiya.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tzvetanov complained that crime increased since he is gone|url=http://www.segabg.com/article.php?id=639698|publisher=СЕГА}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Опасни Връзки|url=http://www.pik.bg/emanuil-jordanov-tsvetanov-se-izkazva-kato-shef-na-rpu-slava-bogu-otiva-si|publisher=афера.бг}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kiro, Florov, Tzvetanov stoiat zad otvlichaneto na Lara|url=http://www.sigurnostta.com/Razni/flor.html|access-date=2014-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416181236/http://www.sigurnostta.com/Razni/flor.html|archive-date=2014-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
In September 2009, Sofia City Prosecutor Nikolay Kokinov explains that the case against Brendo still can not start due to procedural violations on behalf of the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=For the Nth time, two key cases cannot start|url=http://legalworld.bg/show.php?storyid=16224|work=Praven Sviat}}</ref> Later, in April 2010, Sofia City Court (SCC) lifts the travel restriction against Banev - according to the court, the prosecution has ].<ref>{{cite web|title=They Let Brendo Travel Abroad|url=http://www.vsekiden.com/66812|work=Vseki Den}}</ref> | |||
The judge's ruling also states that the prosecution "does not work towards the discovery of the objective truth, but burdens with expenses and bureaucracy the legal process".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=418197 | title = Why the court lets Brendo abroad | work = Trud}}</ref> | |||
Lara Baneva was released, physically unharmed, on April 21, 2013; she was left in front of a police station in Sofia at approximately 10:00 pm. It was reported, but unconfirmed, that the kidnappers had originally demanded a €10 million ransom, but later agreed to free her in exchange of €530,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Искали 10 млн. евро за Лара, но взели 530 хил. евро|url=http://www.dnes.bg/crime/2013/04/22/iskali-10-mln-evro-za-lara-no-vzeli-530-hil-evro.186261|newspaper=dnes.bg}}</ref> | |||
As of May 2012, Brendo’s case is still dragging on with ]s being postponed at the request of the prosecution. In relation to the case, various Bulgarian media and ] reports comment on the groundless accusations and the ] by the prosecution.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Case Against Brendo Losing Ground|url=http://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/bulgaria/2007/06/22/352099_i_deloto_sreshtu_brendo_izduhva/|work=Capital BG}}</ref> At the same time, the Bulgarian authorities initiate operation "Cocaine Kings" with an overwhelming media coverage, including a press conference with the Italian authorities. During the operation, some 30 people are arrested, while Banev is accused of financing drug trafficking between South America and Europe, and Italy claims responsibility for criminally charging him.<ref>{{cite web|title=Арестувани са 30 "кокаинови крале"|url=http://www.novini.bg/news/67847-%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%B0-30-%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5-(%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B0).html|publisher=Novini.bg}}</ref> Following operation "Cocaine Kings", Italy requests a temporary extradition of Banev, which he and his legal team fight. However, the Bulgarian Court of Appeals confirmed Banev's the 1-year extradition to Italy on July 17, 2012, with the condition that he will be returned to Bulgaria when needed for his money laundering trial. The extradition hearing was not without controversy, as the court denied Banev's right to appoint a new defense attorney and rejected the request of the publicly appointed attorney for more time to familiarize herself with the case. Banev was extradited to Italy on July 26, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Court Did Not Give Time to Banev's Defense and Confirmed His Extradition|url=http://legalworld.bg/show.php?storyid=27355}}</ref> | |||
==Books== | |||
In February 2013, Sofia City Court sentenced Banev to 7 1/2 years in prison, while acquitting the other 3 people accused with him. Banev’s lawyer, Ina Lulcheva, said that the appeal against the finding of the Sofia City Court would be based on a lack of evidence justifying the conviction. That the group had travelled together made them at most a tour group, not an organised crime group, she said.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sofia court jails Brendo| url= http://sofiaglobe.com/2013/02/15/sofia-court-jails-brendo-orders-him-to-pay-21m-leva-in-compensation-for-laundering-money-from-illegal-drug-deals/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sofia-court-jails-brendo-orders-him-to-pay-21m-leva-in-compensati}}</ref> The defense further stated: | |||
In March 2015, Evelin Banev self-published a ] titled ''I Gaze Upon the Soul of Bulgaria'',<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320030158/http://www.helikon.bg/books/114/-%D0%A1%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC-%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%88%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%91%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_192167.html |date=2015-03-20 }} (] ''Съзирам Душата на България'')</ref> which he wrote while in prison. The ] is about the journey to ] and realization as passed on by the main character, Max, after a 20-year imprisonment, to his daughter Anna. Banev is also the artist of the book cover - an illustration of two ]s.<ref name="frognews.bg">{{cite news|title=Проф. Иванов: Книгата на Брендо не е написана от прост човек|url=http://frognews.bg/news_88108/Prof-Ivanov-Knigata-na-Brendo-ne-e-napisana-ot-prost-chovek/}}</ref> | |||
:"I will not comment on the length of the sentence. The defense pleaded that there is no crime, as such the punishment is not significant. In this case, it is indicative that it was established that there is money laundered from a person, who has never even been questioned or interrogated. We have not asked that he is questioned, because there are is no evidence that he has any connections with the defendants; the prosecution did not want his questioning, because in my opinion, they knew that their accusation would not be confirmed. As such, the court accepted that money is laundered from the activity of a person and his group, without even questioning this person". <ref>{{cite news|last1=Media|first1=Pool|title=Брендо получи...|url=http://www.mediapool.bg/brendo-poluchi-sedem-godini-i-polovina-zatvor-za-prane-na-pari-ot-narkotrafik-news202935.html|publisher=mediapool.bg}}</ref> | |||
After a 4-month trial, in July 2013, the Milan City Court sentenced Banev to 20 years in prison for participating in a criminal organization for international drug trafficking.<ref>{{cite web|title=Италия прати Брендо за 20 години в затвора|url=http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=391595|publisher=monitor.bg}}</ref> Banev's defense attorney stated that, "Banev has not even entered Italy" and that there is not one evidence linking him to the charges. Before the court, his attorney pointed out that all of the Milan prosecutor evidence was coming from Bulgaria, not from Italy - in Italy, Banev was never ], ]ped, followed, or investigated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Брендо дори не е влизал в Италия|url=http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=387977|publisher=monitor.bg}}</ref> The Italian judge who sentenced Banev, stated in an interview with a prominent Bulgarian newspaper that he highly recommends that Banev appeals the sentencing because "until now not a single evidence of Banev's guilt has been deposited; Banev has never been caught in the act of crime, and he was sentenced only by the testimonies (which were presumed truthful) of other defendants".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Monitor|first1=BG|title=Брендо може да е в България през август|url=http://www.monitor.bg/article?id=391717|publisher=monitor.bg}}</ref> | |||
Following the trial Brendo was extradited to Bulgaria, where in July 2014, the Sofia Court of Appeal ruled him "not guilty" of money laundering and released him on probation.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Standrart|first1=News|title=Брендо невинен за пране на париКопирано от standartnews.com|url=http://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-pravosudie/brendo_nevinen_za_prane_na_pari-245793.html|publisher=StandartNews.com}}</ref> | |||
== Targeted Defamation == | |||
In May 2012, Bulgaria's prosecution and judicial system is weaker than ever. The spectacles of their incompetency leads to the disappearance of the so-called "]" after they are sentenced to approximately 5-year prison terms.<ref>{{cite web|title= The Galev Brothers - On Nationwide Search| url = http://novatv.bg/news/view/2012/05/15/30606/%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8F-%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5/ |work=Nova TV }}</ref> Sulmultaneously, the country is under a lot of pressure by the ] (EC) and is expected to score very low on its annual report on justice and the judicial system. ] said that the "disappearance of the Galevs will reflect negatively in the July report of the EC".<ref>{{cite web|title= The disappearance of the Galevs will reflect negatively in the July report of the EC|url = http://bnr.bg/sites/horizont/Society/Bulgaria/Pages/cvetanov1205.aspx | work=Bulgarian National Radio }}</ref> | |||
To compensate for all its gaffes,<ref>{{cite web|title= Ministry of Interior Arrests Brendo and Compensates for the Missing Galevs| url = http://rss-bg.info/i_26447896/%D0%9C%D0%92%D0%A0-%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%BE-%D0%B8-%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0-%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D1%81-%D0%90%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B0.html |work=Mediapool & Rss-Bg}}</ref> the Bulgarian authorities initiate a massive ] campaign against Banev about a month before the report is due. The Bulgarian Interior Minister and Vice Prime Minister, ], appears on multiple national TV channels in early May 2012, announcing that there is an undergoing operation dubbed "Cocaine Kings", he further details that arrests of "emblematic figures of the organized crime" are to occur within days.<ref>{{cite web|title= Ministry of Interior is tracing "Cocaine Kings" |url = http://tv7.bg/news/incidents/9127432.html |work=TV 7}}</ref> A few days later, Banev is arrested and initially detained for 24 hours on "suspicion that he might commit a crime". Thereafter, Minister ] gives prolonged interviews explaining that Brendo was arrested because of an ] issued by Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web|title=Busted Bulgarian Criminal Had Interpol Warrant|url= http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=139443 | work = Novinite.com}}</ref> He further states, "The investigation in Switzerland is over and Brendo has charges pressed against him for trafficking around 10 tons of cocaine from South America to Europe. There are also charges over money laundering; bank accounts for millions of euro have been blocked in Switzerland”.<ref>{{cite web|title=Interior minister: Crime boss Brendo pressed charges in Switzerland over 10 tons of cocaine trafficking|url= http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n278199 | work = Focus Information Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Brendo arrested for trafficking |url = http://dnes.dir.bg/video.php?id=11165662 | work = Dir.bg & bgnes.com}}</ref> | |||
A few hours later, the prosecution abruptly and decisively denies all that has been stated by the Minister and the police forces.<ref>{{cite web|title= Прокуратурата поиска арест за Брендо| url = http://www.dnevnik.bg/bulgaria/2012/05/17/1829469_prokuraturata_poiska_arest_za_brendo/ | work = Dnevnik }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= According to the police, Brendo is investigated in Switzerland for cocaine trafficking, The Prosecution denies it | url = http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=903268 | work = Darik News }}</ref> The country prosecutor General Nikolay Kokinov confirms that there is no international ] for Banev, that there are no cocaine trafficking charges in Switzerland, that there is no such investigation in Switzerland, and that there is no evidence that Banev has committed any crime.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office requests that Evelin Banev is held in custody| url = http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n278237| work = Focus Information Agency}}</ref> | |||
To save face, the prosecution states that it has received tips that Banev might be preparing to flee Bulgaria and thus obscure justice in his currently ongoing money laundering trial.<ref>{{cite web|title=Софийска градска прокуратура поиска "задържане под стража" за Евелин Банев – Брендо|url= http://www.focus-news.net/?id=n1654377| work = Focus Information Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Ministry of Interior and the Prosecution Missed Each Other in Their Information on Brendo's Arrest| url= http://www.varnautre.bg/novinite/bulgaria/33533-mvr_i_prokuraturata_se_razminaha_v_informatsiite_za_brendo | work = Varna Utre }}</ref> | |||
Banev's legal team, however, commentates before the Bulgarian media, that Banev does not have a travel ban and is free to travel outside of Bulgaria; additionally, Banev has always made all of his court appearances and has been extremely cooperative in the long ongoing trial.<ref>{{cite web|title= Ministry of Interior Created a New Information Mix-up After Brendo's Arrest| url = http://www.bgsniper.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1930:2012-05-17-12-51-18&catid=1:2010-10-12-20-49-01&Itemid=3 | work = bgsniper.com}}</ref> | |||
==Kidnapping of 10-year-old Daughter== | |||
At ca. 7:30 AM on March 5, 2013, upon leaving her home in Sofia, Bulgaria, three masked men shot twice in the back the unarmed driver of Banev's daughter, Lara, and kidnapped the 10 year old girl.<ref>{{cite web|title=Неизвестни отвлякоха дъщерята на Евелин Банев-Брендо|url=http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=1049974}}</ref> This is the first kidnapping ever of such a young child in Bulgaria, and the first kidnapping in Bulgaria since 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Световни медии...|url=http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1819650|publisher=24 часа}}</ref> The motives behind the brutal, violent, and unprecedented kidnapping were a cause for many speculations. A clear undertone of most speculations, confirmed by the country Chief Prosecutor, Sotir Tsatsarov, 3 days after the kidnapping was that "The kidnapping of Lara is a message to Brendo" - the Chief Prosecutor was very careful in a televised press conference not to detail who is sending the message to Brendo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lara's Kidnapping a Message for Brendo|url=http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1824467|publisher=Trud}}</ref> | |||
This leads to the other suspicion - the key politicians of ]'s cabinet in resignation - Prime Minister Borisov himself, Minister of Interior ], and the Chief of the , ]. As stated by Aleksey Petrov, "If Brendo talks about ], ], and ], it will be frightening".<ref>{{cite news|title=If Brendo Talks...|url=http://dnes.dir.bg/news/tzvetan-tzvetanov-alexey-petrov-kokainoviat-kral-brendo-13281737|newspaper=dir.bg}}</ref> The media states that the failing ] party, via its two main figures, Borisov and Tzvetanov, is trying to keep the power and to win the elections at any cost - using a brutal kidnapping as a sign that "without them organized crime is coming back" while sending a signal to Banev to keep quiet.<ref>{{cite web|title=Лара е залог за Цветанов|url=http://www.dennews.bg/news/2013/3/21/12383-aleksei-petrov-lara-e-zalog-za-cvetanov|publisher=днес.бг}}</ref> This message was clearly given by Tzvetanov himself during a TV interview in which he avoided the question "Where is Lara?" several times and finally answered, "What happened is unpleasant, but let's not forget who her father is".<ref>{{cite news|title=отвличането на лара...|url=http://btvnews.bg/article/kriminalno/otvlichaneto-na-lara-veroyatno-e-svarzano-s-deloto-na-bashta-i-v-italiya.html|newspaper=bnews.bg}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tzvetanov complained that crime increased since he is gone|url=http://www.segabg.com/article.php?id=639698|publisher=СЕГА}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Опасни Връзки|url=http://www.pik.bg/emanuil-jordanov-tsvetanov-se-izkazva-kato-shef-na-rpu-slava-bogu-otiva-si|publisher=афера.бг}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kiro, Florov, Tzvetanov stoiat zad otvlichaneto na Lara|url=http://www.sigurnostta.com/Razni/flor.html}}</ref> | |||
Lara Baneva was released, physically unharmed, on April 21, 2013 - she was left in front of a police station in Sofia around 22 o'clock. It was reported, but unconfirmed, that kidnappers originally asked for 10m euro, but have agreed to free her for 530,000 euro.<ref>{{cite news|title=Искали 10 млн. евро за Лара, но взели 530 хил. евро|url=http://www.dnes.bg/crime/2013/04/22/iskali-10-mln-evro-za-lara-no-vzeli-530-hil-evro.186261|newspaper=dnes.bg}}</ref> | |||
==Published Books== | |||
In March 2015, Evelin Banev published a ] titled (] ''Съзирам Душата на България'') which he wrote while in prison. The ] is about the journey to ] and realization as passed on by the main character, Max, after 20-year imprisonment, to his daughter Anna. Banev is also the artist of the book cover - an illustration of two ]. <ref>{{cite news|last1=Frog|first1=News|title=Проф. Иванов: Книгата на Брендо не е написана от прост човек|url=http://frognews.bg/news_88108/Prof-Ivanov-Knigata-na-Brendo-ne-e-napisana-ot-prost-chovek/}}</ref>. | |||
His second book, ''My Truth (Part I)'' was published in 2016. It is a collection of essays on various topics, ranging from Education, to Politics, to Interpersonal Relationships. In the description, Brendo writes, ''"'My Truth' heralds my self-overcoming, which I share even at the risk of having the bitter taste of my creative innovation... In this book I state only and only what the truth is for myself in a world where everything is an end, because I think deeply about whether the necessary means to achieve this end are necessarily true."''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Banev |first=Evelin |title=My Truth Part I |publisher=King Games |year=2016 |isbn=9786199058800 |edition=1st |location=Helikon.bg |language=Bulgarian}}</ref> | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
Line 93: | Line 65: | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
== External links == | |||
{{Commons category|Evelin Banev "Brendo"}} | {{Commons category|Evelin Banev "Brendo"}} | ||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
{{Persondata | |||
| NAME = Banev, Evelin | |||
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Brendo | |||
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = businessperson | |||
| DATE OF BIRTH = October 8, 1964 | |||
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ], ] | |||
| DATE OF DEATH = | |||
| PLACE OF DEATH = | |||
}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Banev, Evelin}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Banev, Evelin}} | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 03:00, 28 December 2024
Bulgarian businessperson (born 1964)Evelin Banev | |
---|---|
Born | Evelin Nikolov Banev (1964-10-08) October 8, 1964 (age 60) Burgas, Bulgaria |
Other names | Brendo |
Known for | Multiple criminal drug trafficking convictions; kidnapping of daughter |
Evelin Banev (Bulgarian: Евелин Банев; October 8, 1964), also known by his nickname Brendo (Bulgarian: Брендо) is a real estate developer, published writer, and former wrestler who has been convicted of money laundering and drug trafficking.
Banev became known for his imprisonment and multiple criminal prosecutions for money laundering and drug trafficking in Bulgaria and Italy. In July 2014, the Sofia Court of Appeal acquitted Banev of all criminal charges against him and overturned a seven and a half year sentence issued previously by the Sofia City Court. In September 2015, Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation annulled his 20-year prison term for drug trafficking and returned the case for retrial to the Appellate Court of Milan. Banev's prosecutions, criminal activities, and imprisonment have been highly controversial and politicized. During his imprisonment, Banev's 10-year-old daughter was abducted and freed after almost two months in captivity.
In 2015, Banev self-published a book titled I Gaze Upon the Soul of Bulgaria, which he wrote during his time in prison. His second book, My truth (Part I) was published in 2016.
On June 24, 2024, Banev voluntarily turned himself in to the Bulgarian authorities in Sofia.
Early life and education
Banev was born in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Since 1985, when he enrolled to the National Sports Academy, Brendo has lived in Sofia. During his time at the academy, Banev frequently traveled to international camps, tournaments and wrestling competitions representing his club "Academic - Sofia" and the Bulgarian National Wrestling Team. Banev has been awarded the "Master of Sport" title in Bulgaria and wrestled in the 74 kg category, under the instruction of Dimitar Dobrev.
Entrepreneurship
After the 1989 political changes in Eastern Europe, Banev spent most of his time outside of Bulgaria. During that time, Banev accumulated his fortune during the Dot-com bubble. He is also a real estate investor and entrepreneur involved in multiple projects in Bulgaria's riviera and capital.
Criminal prosecutions
In April 2007, the Sofia City Prosecutor indicted Banev for organizing a criminal group and money laundering. Subsequently, Banev was arrested and released on bail.
Banev's case caused a media stir again in 2008, when Switzerland agreed to lift its bank secrecy and to submit bank documentation to the Bulgarian authorities. Later, it was made public, that in its requests for judicial assistance to Switzerland, the Bulgarian Prosecutor's Office has sent false information – i.e. stating that Banev is accused of drug trafficking and distribution rather than of money laundering.
As of May 2012, Banev's case was still pending with court hearings being postponed at the request of the prosecution. In relation to the case, various Bulgarian media and EU commission reports commented on the groundless accusations and the abuse of power by the prosecution. At this time, the Bulgarian authorities initiated operation "Cocaine Kings" with an overwhelming media coverage, including a press conference with the Italian authorities. During the operation, some 30 people were arrested, including Banev. Banev was accused of financing drug trafficking between South America and Europe, and Italy claimed responsibility for criminally charging him.
Following operation "Cocaine Kings", Italy requested a temporary extradition of Banev, which he and his legal team fought. However, the Bulgarian Court of Appeals confirmed Banev's 1-year extradition to Italy on July 17, 2012, with the condition that he will be returned to Bulgaria when needed for his money laundering trial. The extradition hearing was not without controversy, as the court denied Banev's right to appoint a new defense attorney and rejected the request of the publicly appointed attorney for more time to familiarize herself with the case. Banev was extradited to Italy on July 26, 2012.
In February 2013, Sofia City Court sentenced Banev to 7+1⁄2 years in prison, while acquitting the other 3 people accused with him. Banev's lawyer, Ina Lulcheva, said that the appeal against the finding of the Sofia City Court would be based on a lack of evidence justifying the conviction. That the group had travelled together made them at most a tour group, not an organised crime group, she said. The defense further stated:
- "I will not comment on the length of the sentence. The defense pleaded that there is no crime, as such the punishment is not significant. In this case, it is indicative that it was established that there is money laundered from a person, who has never even been questioned or interrogated. We have not asked that he is questioned, because there is no evidence that he has any connections with the defendants; the prosecution did not want his questioning, because in my opinion, they knew that their accusation would not be confirmed. As such, the court accepted that money is laundered from the activity of a person and his group, without even questioning this person".
After a 4-month trial, in July 2013, the Milan City Court sentenced Banev to 20 years in prison for participating in a criminal organization for international drug trafficking. Banev's defense attorney stated that, "Banev has not even entered Italy" and that there is not one evidence linking him to the charges. Before the court, his attorney pointed out that all of the Milan prosecutor evidence was coming from Bulgaria, not from Italy - in Italy, Banev was never under surveillance, wiretapped, followed, or investigated. The Italian judge who sentenced Banev, stated in an interview with a prominent Bulgarian newspaper that he highly recommends that Banev appeals the sentencing because "until now not a single evidence of Banev's guilt has been deposited; Banev has never been caught in the act of crime, and he was sentenced only by the testimonies (which were presumed truthful) of other defendants".
Following the trial, Banev was returned to Bulgaria, where in July 2014, the Sofia Court of Appeal ruled him "not guilty" of money laundering and released him on probation.
On September 22, 2015, Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation annulled Banev's 20-year prison term for drug trafficking and ordered a retrial to the Appellate Court of Milan. Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation upheld the sentences of all other people convicted under the "Cocaine Kings" affair. The court cited that Banev's unjust conviction was due to lack of any evidence and irregularities in the use of facts. In annulling his 20-year conviction, the court reported that Banev's net worth and political neutrality had led to "antagonisms that motivated incorrect assessment of personality".
On June 24, 2024, at 7:30 in the morning, Banev surrendered voluntarily to serve his sentence. The 59-year-old Banev was accompanied by Attorney Peter Zafirov. Prepared, Banev carried a huge bag, presumably with personal belongings. Banev identified himself to a reporter and confirmed that he, "realizes very well what he is doing". Thereafter, he took out his Bulgarian identity card, as well as the necessary documents to identify himself to the guards at the prison checkpoint. The employees of the General Directorate of Execution of Punishments were among the most surprised. The authorities and the ministry of internal affairs were equally surprised and unprepared for this voluntary action by Banev.
Counter-allegations
Banev said that he was invited in writing to a meeting with the Interior Minister, Rumen Petkov, who requested Brendo's assistance – i.e. to falsely testify against “the Margin” brothers. According to Banev, his refusal to cooperate with the Minister is the main reason behind the 2007 charges for money laundering against him.
Kidnapping of Banev's daughter
Banev's ten-year-old daughter, Lara, was kidnapped by three masked men at about 7:30 am on March 5, 2013, while leaving her home in Sofia. The men shot her unarmed driver twice in the back. It was the first kidnapping in Bulgaria since 2009. The motives behind the kidnapping were the cause for much speculation. In a televised press conference three days later, Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov stated that, "The kidnapping of Lara is a message to Brendo".
This leads to the other suspicion - the key politicians of Boyko Borisov's cabinet in resignation - Prime Minister Borisov himself, Minister of Interior Tzvetan Tzvetanov, and the Chief of the Chief Directorate "Combating Organized Crime", Stanimir Florov. As stated by Aleksey Petrov, "If Brendo talks about Borisov, Tzvetanov, and Florov, it will be frightening". The media states that the failing GERB party, via its two main figures, Borisov and Tzvetanov, is trying to keep the power and to win the elections at any cost - using a brutal kidnapping as a sign that "without them organized crime is coming back" while sending a signal to Banev to keep quiet. This message was clearly given by Tzvetanov himself during a TV interview in which he avoided the question "Where is Lara?" several times and finally answered, "What happened is unpleasant, but let's not forget who her father is".
Lara Baneva was released, physically unharmed, on April 21, 2013; she was left in front of a police station in Sofia at approximately 10:00 pm. It was reported, but unconfirmed, that the kidnappers had originally demanded a €10 million ransom, but later agreed to free her in exchange of €530,000.
Books
In March 2015, Evelin Banev self-published a novel titled I Gaze Upon the Soul of Bulgaria, which he wrote while in prison. The spiritual novel is about the journey to self-discovery and realization as passed on by the main character, Max, after a 20-year imprisonment, to his daughter Anna. Banev is also the artist of the book cover - an illustration of two mandalas.
His second book, My Truth (Part I) was published in 2016. It is a collection of essays on various topics, ranging from Education, to Politics, to Interpersonal Relationships. In the description, Brendo writes, "'My Truth' heralds my self-overcoming, which I share even at the risk of having the bitter taste of my creative innovation... In this book I state only and only what the truth is for myself in a world where everything is an end, because I think deeply about whether the necessary means to achieve this end are necessarily true."
References
- "Проф. Иванов: Книгата на Брендо не е написана от прост човек". frognews.bg.
- ^ Novinite. "Italy's Supreme Court Annuls 20-Year Prison Term of Alleged Drug Lord Evelin Banev". novinite.com. Sofia News Agency. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
- "sofia appeals court overturns money laundering sentence on brendo". Sofia Globe.
- Митов, Борис. "Брендо получи седем години и половина затвор за пране на пари от наркотрафик". Mediapool.bg. Mediapool.bg. Retrieved 19 May 2014. (Bulgarian)
- "Abductors free daughter". krmagazine.com/. KR Magazine. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
- "Брендо издаде книга за "любовта към живота", "родена в затвора"". Mediapool.bg.
- Helikon.bg Banev, Evelin (2018). "My truth Part 1".
- ^ Development, Smart Web, KAK. "Ексклузивно във Флагман.бг: Евелин Банев-Брендо се яви в Софийския централен затвор, предава се доброволно". Флагман.Бг - новини за политика, обществен и икономически живот, новини бг (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 2024-06-26.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Vestnik, Kapital. "Brendo". Brendo.
- ^ "Брендо ходи без охрана, рядко говори по GSM". 24chasa.bg. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
- "Who is Evelin Banev". dnevnik.bg. dnevnik.bg.
- ^ Hristova, Violina. "Брендо на свобода, останалите 9-има "Кокаинови крале" зад решетките". 24 chasa. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
- "Brendo Released on Bail". Darik News.
- "Switzerland Lifts the Bank Secret". Dnes Dir BG. Archived from the original on 2011-10-04. Retrieved 2011-08-21.
- "The Case Against Brendo Losing Ground". Capital BG.
- "Арестувани са 30 "кокаинови крале"". Novini.bg.
- "The Court Did Not Give Time to Banev's Defense and Confirmed His Extradition".
- "Sofia court jails Brendo".
- "Брендо получи..." mediapool.bg.
- "Италия прати Брендо за 20 години в затвора". monitor.bg. Archived from the original on 2014-10-06. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
- "Брендо дори не е влизал в Италия". monitor.bg. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
- "Брендо може да е в България през август". monitor.bg. Archived from the original on 2013-12-25. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
- "Брендо невинен за пране на париКопирано от standartnews.com". StandartNews.com.
- "Брендо изненада всички. Предаде се доброволно". Mediapool.bg (in Bulgarian). 2024-06-24. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
- "Rumen Petkov Pressured Brendo to False Testify". Vesti BG.
- "Rumen Petkov Wanted Brendo to Lie". Frog News.
- "Неизвестни отвлякоха дъщерята на Евелин Банев-Брендо".
- "Световни медии..." 24 часа.
- "Lara's Kidnapping a Message for Brendo". Trud.
- "If Brendo Talks..." dir.bg.
- "Лара е залог за Цветанов". днес.бг.
- "отвличането на лара..." bnews.bg. Archived from the original on 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- "Tzvetanov complained that crime increased since he is gone". СЕГА.
- "Опасни Връзки". афера.бг.
- "Kiro, Florov, Tzvetanov stoiat zad otvlichaneto na Lara". Archived from the original on 2014-04-16. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- "Искали 10 млн. евро за Лара, но взели 530 хил. евро". dnes.bg.
- "I gaze upon the soul of Bulgaria" Archived 2015-03-20 at the Wayback Machine (Bulgarian: Съзирам Душата на България)
- "Проф. Иванов: Книгата на Брендо не е написана от прост човек".
- Banev, Evelin (2016). My Truth Part I (in Bulgarian) (1st ed.). Helikon.bg: King Games. ISBN 9786199058800.