Georgi Kandev Poised to Lead Bulgaria’s Ministry of Internal Affairs

Sofia, Bulgaria – Georgi Kandev is expected to be appointed as the chief secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria, according to sources. He is anticipated to officially assume the role in the final week of February 2026.

Background and Education

Born in 1975 in Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria, Kandev holds a law degree with a specialization in criminal sciences. He completed his education at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Southwest University “Neofit Rilski.”

Professional Experience

Kandev brings extensive experience in law enforcement and international cooperation to the position. He has undergone specialized training at the FBI in the United States and Interpol. He completed the 235th session of the National Academy of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2008 and has participated in training courses at Europol and the European Police College (SEPOL). He also holds a post-graduate degree in Criminal Justice from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Prior to this anticipated appointment, Kandev served as the director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (ODMVR) in Blagoevgrad [1]. He also held the position of police attaché of Bulgaria in Serbia and Montenegro.

Family Connections

According to police sources, Kandev is married to Plamen Uzunov, who previously served as the security secretary to Bulgarian President Rumen Radev [3]. Plamen Uzunov holds a bachelor’s degree in Counteracting Crime and Social Order Protection from the Interior Ministry Academy in Sofia.

Legal Expertise in the Family

Georgi Uzunov, a Bulgarian lawyer, has a Master Degree in Law from the Velikoturnovo University “St. St. Kiril and Metodii” and previously served as an officer and Head of Department at the Ministry of the Interior and with the National Central Bureau of Interpol – Bulgaria [4]. He maintains extensive contacts within local and international law-enforcement agencies.