A high-ranking public figure suspected of shocking crimes has been busted by Bulgarian anti-mafia units in a special operation in Sofia, a senior government official wishing to remain anonymous revealed specially for the readers of Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency).

The top-ranking figure in question got arrested on charges of corruption, embezzlement of state assets, and animal abuse. He was handcuffed at the Sofia International Airport upon arriving from abroad using a Bulgarian government helicopter, the source said.

Employing special intelligence devices, the Bulgarian police have intercepted numerous calls, emails, and letters to the arrested person arranging what seem to be expensive gifts for a large number of people - which the investigators believe to be bribes. The detainee does not appear to have any legal source of income.

This immediately prompted the Bulgarian tax and customs authorities to start investigations into his wealth as well as to send out to a helicopter to search for any luxury properties that he might have around Sofia. The police have also arrested a young woman whose exact relation to the detainee was initially unclear.

The arrested person is believed to be an international criminal mastermind as he is found to have been using multiple identifies in different countries. He was caught with a Bulgarian ID card under the name "Nikolov" but is known to be using foreign passports with names such as Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Ded Moroz, among others. Apparently, he is known in certain Bulgarian circles with the suspicious nickname "Dyado Koleda", i.e. "Grandfather Christmas".

The Bulgarian police have also found the man to be in illegal possession of reindeer spurring concerns about their treatment and leading them to believe he had established a "private zoo" - a widespread practice among Bulgarian underworld figures and murky businessmen.

Shortly after the special police operation, however, a Bulgarian court released Santa and a woman, arrested together with him and identified as "Snow White", keeping a bag of gifts as bail.

In spite of the prosecutors' concerns that he might destroy important evidence or bribe potential witnesses with gifts, the court argued there was not sufficient evidence to detain Santa, and that he should be let go as he had some urgent business to take care of on December 25.

"I am glad this issue has been settled for the time being. I believe this incident resulted from a misunderstanding and hope that my name will be cleared of any accusations. I got a lot of presents to distribute now, especially to the good readers of Novinite.com and The Sofia Morning News," Santa said in an exclusive blitz interview not forgetting to mention that he himself is a committed reader of Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency), which he described as the most influential Bulgarian media.

So the readers of Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency) from around the world should rest assured that nothing will prevent Santa Claus from bringing to you tons of presents, happiness, joy, and good health this Christmas!

Happy Holidays and sincere wishes for millions of good news in 2010 from your truly committed and professional team of Novinite.com! :)

Publishing, Editorial, and Web Development Team

Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency)

The Sofia Morning News

The Sofia Weekly