Two men locked up for over 14 years after bungled gun handover caught on camera
Surveillance sting leads to firearm bust
In December 2019, National Crime Agency (NCA) officers from the Armed Operations Unit spotted Kristian Romanov, 24, meeting Kristyan Hristev, 30, at Hristev’s home in Parr’s Head Mews, Rochester. Romanov grabbed a rucksack from Hristev and drove off. Just a short distance away, police swooped.
Inside the bag, officers found a Glock 42 pistol and live 9mm rounds. Romanov and his two passengers were arrested on the spot.
Armed police surround property, uncover drugs and more ammo
With Kent Armed Police backing them up, NCA officers quickly surrounded Hristev’s house. Two hours later, Hristev and his housemate were arrested as they emerged. A search of nearby rooftops uncovered over 17 grams of cocaine and more bullets matching those found in Romanov’s rucksack – apparently tossed out a window during the siege.
Bulgarian pair plead guilty, receive heavy sentences
Both Bulgarian nationals faced Maidstone Crown Court on 27 May. They pleaded guilty to possession and supply of a firearm and ammunition. Hristev was handed a nine-year jail term, while Romanov got five years and seven months behind bars.
Three other men arrested during the investigation were released without charge.
Authorities vow to keep cracking down on firearm crime
“The NCA continues in its fight to combat serious and organised crime, particularly crime that involves firearms that can have significant impact on our communities,” said Eddie McGrann, from the NCA Armed Operations Unit.
“Our priority is to protect the public; we will work with our international and domestic partners using all investigation methods to bring offenders to justice.”
McGrann also thanked Kent Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the National Firearms Targeting Centre for their support.
Specialist prosecutor Tim Burton added: “We worked closely with the NCA to prove with phone data and DNA evidence that the gun and ammunition seized had been transferred from Hristev to Romanov.”
