Mystery Surrounds Deaths in Bulgaria’s Mountains, Raising Distrust in Authorities

A series of deaths in Bulgaria’s mountains has gripped the nation, sparking widespread speculation and fueling distrust in the authorities. The case, involving six individuals connected to an environmental NGO, has drawn comparisons to the television series “Twin Peaks” due to its complex and unsettling nature.

The Initial Discovery and NGO Scrutiny

On February 2, 2026, three men were found dead near a partially burned-out lodge close to the Petrohan Pass in western Bulgaria. The victims were identified as members of the National Protected Areas Control Agency (NACPT), a Bulgarian non-governmental organization. Acting Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarafov characterized the NGO’s activities as “unholy” and suggested a possible connection to a “sectarian network involved in pedophilia,” though these claims were not immediately supported by evidence.

The Search for the Missing and Further Deaths

Following the discovery of the first three bodies, Ivaylo Kalushev, the owner of the lodge, along with a 22-year-classic man and a 15-year-old boy, went missing. Six days later, on February 8, the three missing individuals were found dead in a campervan at Okoltchica Peak, approximately 80 km from the initial crime scene. Investigators initially hypothesized a scenario involving four suicides and two murders.

Kalushev’s Interests and Final Messages

Investigations have revealed notes believed to be written by Ivaylo Kalushev, indicating his interest in Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan and the potential privatization of Sofia’s municipal heating company, Toplofikatsiya Sofia. Other notes suggest a focus on environmental and green policies. According to his mother, Stela Dimitrova‑Maistorova, Kalushev frequently discussed death due to his interest in Buddhism, expressing a desire for a death that would prevent rebirth. Their last exchange occurred on February 1, 2026, via an encrypted messaging application.

Speculation and Ongoing Investigation

The case has prompted speculation about the motives behind the deaths, with some suggesting the victims may have witnessed criminal activity near the Bulgarian-Serbian border, an area known for migrant-smuggling and illegal logging. Authorities are also investigating the possibility that some of the victims themselves were involved in criminal activities.

The investigation is ongoing, and the full circumstances surrounding these deaths remain unclear.