Evelin Banev, the notorious Bulgarian drug lord dubbed the "cocaine king," voluntarily surrendered to authorities, ending years of evasion from justice across multiple European countries. The 59-year-old former wrestler had been on the Interpol wanted list since 2013, following convictions ranging from money laundering in Bulgaria to large-scale drug trafficking in Italy.
Banev's surrender on Monday morning in Sofia, Bulgaria, marked a significant development in a case that spanned international borders and involved complex criminal networks. Ukrainian authorities apprehended him in Kyiv in 2021 but declined extradition due to his acquisition of Ukrainian nationality, leaving his whereabouts uncertain until now.
Mitko Dimitrov, spokesperson for Bulgaria's interior ministry, confirmed Banev's surrender, stating that he would be transferred to prison to serve existing sentences. Banev's lawyer, Petar Zafirov, accompanied him as they walked towards the central prison in Sofia, where he acknowledged his decision when asked by reporters.
The drug lord's legal troubles began with a 2013 conviction in Bulgaria for money laundering, which initially carried a seven-and-a-half-year sentence later reduced to six years on appeal. His criminal activities extended beyond Bulgaria, with convictions in absentia in Romania for drug trafficking and in Italy for orchestrating the smuggling of up to 40 metric tons of cocaine, involving ties to the 'Ndrangheta mafia.
In a high-profile case linked to Banev's operations, former Bulgarian tennis player Elena Pampoulova was found guilty of money laundering in Switzerland in 2022. Prosecutors alleged that she maintained financial ties with Banev, handling substantial sums of cash collected from his associates, a charge she denied until her death in 2023.
Banev's criminal empire and subsequent evasion highlighted the challenges in combating transnational organized crime, with authorities across Europe coordinating efforts to apprehend him. His surrender follows years of investigations and legal proceedings, underscoring the persistence of law enforcement agencies in pursuing major criminal figures operating across borders.
The drug lord's capture has drawn attention to the broader implications of his activities, including their impact on regional security and the challenges posed by international drug trafficking networks. His extradition to face multiple sentences reflects ongoing efforts to address organized crime and uphold judicial integrity across Europe.
As Banev faces imprisonment in Bulgaria, the repercussions of his criminal career continue to reverberate, prompting discussions on strengthening international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and related crimes. The case serves as a reminder of the global reach of criminal enterprises and the necessity for sustained efforts in law enforcement and judicial cooperation to ensure accountability and justice.
Banev's surrender brings closure to a prolonged manhunt and legal saga, offering a glimpse into the complexities of pursuing high-profile fugitives involved in large-scale criminal activities. His apprehension marks a significant milestone in the fight against organized crime, illustrating the persistence and determination required to bring individuals like Banev to justice.
Source: CBS/AFP
Evelin Banev
