Evelin Banev voluntarily surrendered to Bulgarian authorities on June 24, 2024, to serve his sentence. Born in Burgas in 1964, his life has spanned careers as an athlete, real estate developer, and entrepreneur, alongside persistent legal entanglements across multiple jurisdictions including Bulgaria, Switzerland, and Italy throughout the early twenty-first century.
Athletic Background and Early Life
Banev enrolled at the National Sports Academy in 1985 and established his residence in Sofia. During his academic tenure, he participated in various international wrestling competitions as a member of the Bulgarian National Wrestling Team and the club Academic-Sofia. Under the guidance of coach Dimitar Dobrev, he competed in the 74 kg weight division and earned the Master of Sport title.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Business and Literary Endeavors
Following the political shifts in Eastern Europe in 1989, Banev spent substantial time abroad. He built his financial capital during the Dot-com bubble and later transitioned into real estate, focusing on projects within Bulgaria's capital and along the coastline. While incarcerated, he turned to authorship, self-publishing his first book, I Gaze Upon the Soul of Bulgaria, in 2015, followed by the release of My truth (Part I) in 2016.
Legal Proceedings and Judicial History
His legal history is marked by complex proceedings, including the 2012 Cocaine Kings operation, which led to a 20-year sentence in Italy that was later annulled by the Supreme Court of Cassation in 2015 due to a lack of evidence. Simultaneously, his domestic cases in Bulgaria involved a seven and a half year sentence that was overturned by the Sofia Court of Appeal in 2014. These cases frequently drew attention for the use of contested evidence and alleged procedural irregularities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Burgas
- Citizenship: Bulgaria
- Sporting Title: Master of Sport
- Weight Class: 74 kg
- Published works: Two books written in prison
- Date of surrender: June 24, 2024
Questions readers ask
What is Evelin Banev's primary profession?
He is primarily identified as an entrepreneur and real estate developer, though his background includes professional wrestling.
Did the Italian courts maintain the conviction for drug trafficking?
No, the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation annulled his 20-year sentence in 2015, citing a lack of evidence and errors in the assessment of his case.
.jpg)
