Both Stanishev (l) and Petkov (r) congratulated the Interior, the Prosecutor's Office and DANS for the “Octopus” operation and expressed their support for the authorities. Photo by BGNES
If the former top secret service agent, Aleksei Petrov, was part of the “Octopus” criminal group this reflects very badly on the previous cabinet, ex-Interior Minister, Rumen Petkov, says.
Petkov further points out that if it is proven Petrov had any involvement in organized crime, the former Prime Minister and leader of the Bulgaria Socialist Party (BSP) should resign as party Head. The ex-Interior Minister reminds that it was Stanishev, who was directly responsible for the State Agency for National Security (DANS) when Petrov worked there and people connected to an “Octopus” member should not be tied with the BSP leadership.
Stanishev, on his part, declined to comment on his fellow party member statements, but noted journalists must inquire with his successor as PM – Boyko Borisov.
Both Stanishev and Petkov congratulated the Interior, the Prosecutor's Office and DANS for the “Octopus” operation and expressed their support for the authorities.
“I hope they have enough proof, so that we do not repeat what happened with “The Impudent” gang where they arrested 25 individuals, but only 3 remain behind bars,” Stanishev pointed out.
Other politicians such as Kamen Kostadinov, from the opposition ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) party and Ivan Kostov, leader of the rightist Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) also praised the current cabinet's efforts to fight organized crime.
Kostadinov declared he is not proud with the DANS dealings during the previous term when his party was a coalition partner, while Kostov pointed out that if a person such as Aleksei Petrov had such high-ranking position at DANS and was simultaneously part of a top crime group, the fact spoke volumes about the former cabinet.
The names of both ex-Interior Minister, Rumen Petkov, and PM Borisov have been tangled with Aleksei Petrov over the years.