Kiril Rashkov: The Controversial Life of Tsar Kiro
Kiril Rashkov, known to many as Tsar Kiro, was a polarizing figure in Bulgaria whose life spanned the realms of organized crime, political ambition, and self-proclaimed royalty. From his origins in the Balkans to his eventual death in Plovdiv, Rashkov cultivated a persona of power and wealth that often clashed with the legal systems of the state.
Early Life and the Myth of Royalty
Born on May 24, 1942, in Miravci, Yugoslavia, Rashkov was born into a Kalderash family (a subgroup of the Roma people). At the time of his birth, the region was under Bulgarian rule as part of the Axis occupation of Serbia during World War II. For years, Rashkov promoted a different narrative, claiming he was born in Stolipinovo, Plovdiv, as the eighth son of "Gogo," a mythical King of the Gypsies.
This fabricated lineage served as the foundation for his own claim to the title of King of the Gypsies, adopting the name Tsar Kiro. However, the truth of his origins was eventually brought to light during a 2011 tax evasion trial, where official birth documents confirmed his birth in Miravci.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Criminal Record and the Belene Camp
Rashkov's relationship with the law began long before his political aspirations. In 1984, he was arrested for the illegal possession of gold and over two million leva. Following his conviction, he was imprisoned in the Belene labour camp, a notorious facility used during the communist era.
By 1989, his legal troubles peaked when he was convicted of seven different crimes, resulting in a combined sentence of 30 years. However, the collapse of communism in Bulgaria led to a general amnesty on November 10, 1989, which granted him his freedom.
The Tsar Goro Venture
Shortly after his release in 1989, Rashkov established the Tsar Goro alcohol factory in Stolipinovo. His entrepreneurial efforts remained fraught with legal issues; in 1993, he was arrested for producing 126 tonnes of moonshine and 140 boxes of brandy, though he was later released on bail.
Political Ambitions and the Free Bulgaria Party
In the 1990s, Rashkov attempted to translate his local influence into national political power. He founded the Free Bulgaria party, which sought to represent his constituents in the democratic transition of the country.
- 1999 Local Elections: The party garnered 51,860 votes (1.6% of the total), successfully electing 83 councillors and two mayors.
- 2001 Parliamentary Election: The party's influence waned, receiving 27,636 votes (0.6% of the total) and failing to secure a seat in the National Assembly.
Violence and Final Years
The later years of Rashkov's life were marked by tragedy and further legal conflict. On September 23, 2011, members of Rashkov's crime family in Katunitsa ran over and killed Angel Petrov. This event triggered violent riots by Bulgarian nationalists in Katunitsa, which eventually spread across the country.
In the aftermath, Rashkov was arrested on January 24, 2012, for brandishing a knife and making death threats against Ivanka Petrov and Veselin Hristov (the father of the deceased). He was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. His grandson, also named Kiril Rashkov, was similarly arrested in November 2011 for threatening Hristov.
Death and Extravagant Burial
Kiril Rashkov died in his sleep at his home in Plovdiv on April 1, 2021. His funeral took place on April 4, reflecting the opulent lifestyle he had long claimed. He was interred in a mausoleum accompanied by suitcases containing his personal belongings, gold jewelry, a golden throne, cigars, alcohol, and food.
Key Facts
- Birth: May 24, 1942, in Miravci, Yugoslavia.
- Alias: Tsar Kiro, the self-proclaimed King of the Gypsies.
- Political Party: Founder of Free Bulgaria.
- Major Legal Issues: Convictions for gold possession, moonshine production, and death threats.
- Death: April 1, 2021, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| Year | Event | Outcome/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | First Major Arrest | Convicted of possessing gold and 2 million leva; sent to Belene. |
| 1989 | Combined Sentencing | Sentenced to 30 years for 7 crimes; released via amnesty. |
| 1993 | Alcohol Production Arrest | Arrested for 126 tonnes of moonshine; released on bail. |
| 1999 | Local Elections | Free Bulgaria party wins 83 councillors and 2 mayors. |
| 2001 | Parliamentary Election | Free Bulgaria receives 0.6% of votes; no seats won. |
| 2012 | Death Threat Conviction | Sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Kiril Rashkov actually born?
Although he claimed to be born in Stolipinovo, Plovdiv, court documents from a 2011 tax evasion trial proved he was born in Miravci, Yugoslavia.
What was the Free Bulgaria party?
Free Bulgaria was a political party founded by Rashkov that saw its peak success in the 1999 local elections, where it secured 1.6% of the vote and several local government positions.
Why was Rashkov sent to the Belene labour camp?
He was sent to the camp following a 1984 conviction for the illegal possession of gold and over two million leva.
What caused the riots in Katunitsa in 2011?
The riots were sparked by the death of Angel Petrov, who was run over by members of Rashkov's crime family.
How was Kiril Rashkov buried?
He was buried in a mausoleum with an array of luxury items, including a golden throne, gold jewelry, cigars, alcohol, and food.