Bulgarians Jeorji Petrov and Halid Aptula Back in Court

Jeorji Petrov & Halid Aptula

Two Bulgarian nationals, who were caught stealing from the Belize Bank’s ATM through a fraudulent scheme in May, were back in court today even though they have been tried and convicted for the theft.  The duo appeared again this morning before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser; they questioned the purpose of their constant visit to the court despite their conviction on May twentieth when they were sentenced to twelve months in prison for eighteen counts of theft from the bank.  Jeorji Petrov and Halid Yuksel Aptula appeared for the second time in a week for their application in respect of their personal belongings that remain in police custody since the conclusion of their criminal case for theft. The duo was told that the court translator has been unavailable hence their trips to court since it is important for them to understand the proceedings.  Petrov, who is represented by attorney Christelle Wilson, pleaded guilty to the theft of eight thousand dollars from the bank between May sixth and May seventh, 2016.    Aptula pleaded guilty to the theft of six thousand eight hundred dollars in the same period.