Vanyo Tanov, who headed the Naitonal Customs Agency, died on Monday morning, local media outlets report.

Tanov, 58, reportedly passed away in an ambulance that was en route to hospital.

The Bulgarian National Television, citing unconfirmed sources, reports he felt unwell in the morning but his condition deteriorated in the ambulance.

Tanov was appointed head of the Customs Agency in August 2014 by a caretaker government. That constituted his return to the office which he had assumed before between 2009 and 2013. He was dismissed in August 2013, under the socialist-liberal cabinet of Plamen Oresharski.

His work during his second tenure was marked by a pledge to fight against smuggling. In August 2015, he hinted at a cartel among petrol stations which in his words write up fuel prices considerably - an issue that is under investigation as of the moment.

Tanov had worked at the Interior Ministry for 22 years, between 1985 and 2007 before taking over the Customs Agency two years later.

During his last two years at the Interior Ministry he headed what is nowadays called the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP).

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!