Italian prosecutors were investigating possibilities that Ivan Todorov-Doktora, a shady businessman murdered a few months ago, was connected to the organised crime group of Italian Prince Victor Emmanuel, Darik Radio reported.

On June 17 Italian prosecution arrested Victor Emmanuel on accusations of corruption, smuggling and human trafficking. Former Bulgarian prime minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg is among the people suspected of participating in Emmanuel's organised crime group.

Italian prosecution was working on evidence that Todovov was part of a large-scale international cigarette smuggling gang, controlled by Italian companies, Dnevnik newspaper reported. Greek and Macedonian smugglers also participated in the group.

Italian prosecution was also investigating connections between former ministers during Saxe-Coburg's term in office and Todorov, Dnevnik said. The main evidence was photographs taken during a yacht trip three years ago, showing ministers in Todorov's company.