The Plovdiv Court of Appeal decided to keep two Pazardzhik tax officers, charged with corruption, in custody.

Plovdiv's court overruled the decision of the Pazardzhik regional court concerning the release of the two officers on 1000 leva bails.

The two officers were arrested while demanding 60 000 leva from a businessman to deal with some tax violations, Darik Radio reported. One of the officers was previously charged with blackmailing another businessman.

Mariana Pondeva, one of the officers arrested, said she never requested payment from anyone.

According to police records Pondeva previously received a 5000 leva bribe. She told court magistrates that such trials could make all businessmen that she inspected for tax violations launch court proceedings.