Petrokhan Tragedy: Investigation Reveals Weapons Permits, Possible Connections to Sex Abuse Allegations

The investigation into the deaths of five men and a 15-year-old boy near the Petrohan Pass in Bulgaria continues to unfold, revealing scrutiny of weapons permits held by those involved and raising disturbing allegations of sexual abuse. Authorities are analyzing video recordings from the area and examining potential links to a financial and pedophile network surrounding Ivaylo Kalushev, one of the deceased.

Weapons Permits Under Scrutiny

Bulgarian authorities are investigating how Ivaylo Kalushev, Ivaylo Ivanov, and Nikolay Zlatkov obtained permits to possess firearms. According to reports, Ivanov possessed a significant arsenal, including five rifles, two carbines, one handgun, and two silencers, while Kalushev had two registered pistols. The permits for Kalushev’s weapons were issued in 2021 by the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Montana. Initial findings suggest the crimes were committed using legally owned weapons of the victims.

Allegations of Sexual Abuse and a Potential Pyramid Scheme

The case has taken a darker turn with allegations of sexual abuse involving Ivaylo Kalushev. Investigative reports highlight five instances of Kalushev cohabitating with underage boys. A leaked report from the National Agency for National Security and Defense of Bulgaria (DANS) from 2024 reportedly details these claims, though the agency has not yet denied the report’s authenticity.

One case involves Valeri Andreev, who lived with Kalushev in 2011 at age 15 and later reported being a victim of sexual exploitation. Kalushev was known as a hypnotherapist and Buddhist teacher, and Andreev’s parents entrusted him with their son believing he helped troubled children.

questions are being raised about the financial dealings of the deceased men, with reported donation income to their associations significantly lower than amounts publicly announced by donors.

Missing Teenager and Final Messages

The investigation began after a 15-year-old boy went missing on January 29th and was believed to be with Ivaylo Kalushev. The boy’s father, Yani Makulev, stated he had known Kalushev for 35 years and allowed his children to attend camps organized by the “National Agency for the Control of Protected Areas,” which was financed by a private foundation. Nikolay Zlatkov, also a founder of the agency, was also reportedly with them and sought by police.

A disturbing final message from Kalushev, sent via SMS to Deyan Iliev, who discovered the bodies, has emerged. The message reportedly read like a farewell, stating, “Goodbye, friend, we are very tired and have no more strength” and “Go back to Mexico.”

Previous Collaboration with Police

In 2023, police conducted an exercise with Kalushev’s rangers, however, the Eco-Ministry denies any recent interaction with the environmentalists.