Bulgaria Investigates Signals Against Ivaylo Kalushev and NGO Amidst Multiple Deaths
Investigations are underway in Bulgaria concerning signals received against Ivaylo Kalushev’s NGO, coinciding with a series of deaths linked to the organization and its leader. The Ministry of Interior has released a report detailing the investigation into these signals, which began in 2022.
Report Findings and Timeline
The Ministry of Interior’s report, published on February 17, 2026, in compliance with an order from the Minister of Interior dated February 5, 2026, details four signals received between 2022 and the present regarding Kalushev’s NGO Fakti.bg.
The initial case was opened following a report to the Minister of Interior concerning an agreement between the NGO and the Ministry of Environment and Water, then headed by Borislav Sandov. A second report came from the grandparents of an 8-year-old boy, alleging the child was at risk. Investigations were conducted by the General Directorate of the Interior, the Regional Directorate – Godech, and the 06 Regional Directorate – SDVR, under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office. However, prosecutors in Kostinbrod and the SRP declined to initiate pre-trial proceedings.
An anonymous report received in February 2022 alleged Kalushev led a Buddhist religious group involved in sexual abuse of minors, pornography, and illegal weapons possession Fakti.bg.
The Petrohan and Okolchitsa Deaths
The investigations occur against the backdrop of a disturbing series of deaths. In early February 2026, three men – Ivaylo Ivanov (49), Decho Iliev (45), and Plamen Stattev (51) – were found dead at the Petrohan mountain lodge Novinite. A week later, three more bodies were discovered in an abandoned camper near Okolchitsa Peak: Ivaylo Kalushev (51), Nikolay Zlatkov (22), and a 15-year-old boy, Alexander Makulev Novinite.
Investigators describe Kalushev as the leader of a “closed society with elements of a sect” operating between Bulgaria and Mexico, accused of manipulation, abuse, and systematic control Novinite.
Forensic Evidence
Preliminary ballistic findings revealed substantial gunpowder residue on Ivaylo Kalushev’s hands, with additional residue found on Nikolay Zlatkov’s palms Novinite.
Authorities confirmed Kalushev possessed permits for two combat pistols, issued on November 1, 2021, both found at the scene near Okolchitsa Peak. Ivaylo Ivanov had a permit for 16 firearms, granted on August 23 of the same year, and Nikolay Zaykov legally owned one combat pistol registered in February 2023 BNT News.
Family Response
Stella Dimitrova-Maystorova, Kalushev’s mother, has publicly stated her belief in her son’s innocence, rejecting the investigators’ version of events BNT News.
Timeline of Events
On February 1, 2026, the camper van belonging to Ivaylo Kalushev, along with Nikolay Zlatkov and the 15-year-old boy, left the Petrohan mountain lodge area and traveled towards Okolchitsa Peak BNT News. The vehicle was discovered a week later with the bodies of all three occupants inside.