The Unsolved Murder of Notary Martin Bojanov and lingering Questions of Judicial Influence

Two years have passed sence the murder of Martin Bojanov, a notary and alleged court lobbyist, yet the case remains unsolved. Bojanov was shot on January 31, 2024, in the “Gloria Palace” residential complex near Sofia. Of the 56 intentional murders recorded in Bulgaria in 2024, his is the only one that has not been resolved, according to national police reports from last year.

The latest recorded action in the examination is a letter requesting an extension of the investigation period, signed by i.f. city prosecutor Emilia Rusinova. While this indicates the case hasn’t been officially closed, the extent of Bojanov’s connections and which magistrates frequented his SS club remain unclear, as both the murder investigation and the inquiry into his judicial influence appear stalled.

Prior to his death, Bojanov was under surveillance for three months, including phone tapping and physical tracking. However,he was not being actively monitored at the time of the murder,as continuous surveillance is not standard practise.It remains unkown if the surveillance data has been used as evidence in the case the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office opened against Bojanov in spring 2023. This case, initiated following a report by the GDBOP, investigated Bojanov for alleged involvement in an organized criminal group engaged in property fraud and money laundering. Deputy City Prosecutor Ivo Iliev had stated bojanov was about to be charged, but his murder prevented this.

The situation echoes the case of Petyo Petrov,known as Euroto,where despite numerous threats,commissions,and hearings,the judicial system has not been fully cleansed of individuals involved in illicit activities,and a culture of silence prevails.

Lawyer Andrei Yankulov from the Anti-Corruption Fund, involved in exposing both schemes, draws a parallel to the revelations in the Romanian film “Conquered Justice” by Recorder, which sparked notable public reaction in Romania.

“In bulgaria, arresting only the prosecution is enough to guarantee impunity. It is unified, culturally prepared to invariably support the leadership, and the legislator has given it a complete monopoly on criminal investigation and prosecution – meaning all crucial decisions regarding accusations are concentrated within its control.”