SOFIA — Police say gunmen have seriously wounded a convicted underworld boss outside a court house in downtown Sofia.

Zlatomir Ivanov was on his way to the Sofia Court House on Tuesday when the shooter opened fire, probably from an opposite building, a senior police officer said. Ivanov and one of his bodyguards were both hit as they walked up the stairs to enter the court.

Police say Ivanov was undergoing surgery after suffering four gunshots.

Last year, Ivanov was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment after being convicted of leading an organized criminal group engaging in illegal drugs trade, but was freed on bail. He appealed the sentence, not the conviction.