Mother Claims She Hid €350K in Wall, Earned It Selling Watermelons

In a court session today, the parents of former judge Gjoko Ristov testified regarding €350,000 found hidden in a special wall bunker. His mother, Donka Ristova, claimed she personally hid the money, stating it was not hers personally but earned from selling agricultural products over 50 years. The hearing is part of the trial against Ristov, who faces charges related to the hidden funds.

Ristova told the court that the money came from selling watermelons, peppers, and grapes over five decades. The exact charges against Ristov have not been disclosed, but the discovery of the hidden cash has drawn significant public interest. The prosecution is expected to challenge the plausibility of accumulating such a sum through small-scale farming.

The testimony raises questions about the origin of the funds and could impact the trial's outcome. Legal experts suggest that if the court finds the explanation unconvincing, it may strengthen the prosecution's case. The next hearing is scheduled for later this month, where further evidence is expected to be presented.