Bulgaria’s Petrohan Murders: Suicide Claims Questioned, Possible Sect Involvement
Investigations into the deaths of six individuals near Petrohan, Bulgaria, are intensifying, with questions arising about initial findings suggesting a suicide in one case and scrutiny focusing on a possible sect-like organization led by one of the deceased. The case, dubbed “the Bulgarian Twin Peaks” by some, involves a complex web of alleged abuse, potential criminal activity and political implications.
Initial Findings and Doubts About Suicide
On February 2nd, authorities discovered the bodies of Ivaylo Ivanov, 49, a lawyer; Decho Vassilev, 45, an accounting firm owner; and Plamen Stattev, 51, a diving instructor, at the Petrohan mountain lodge. Initial reports indicated the men had been shot in the head, with two dogs also found dead at the scene.
Subsequently, on February 9th, three more bodies were found in an abandoned camper near Okolchitsa Peak: Ivaylo Kalushev, 51, a speleologist and self-proclaimed spiritual leader; Nikolay Zlatkov, 22; and Alexander Makulev, 15. Reports indicate the 15-year-old was found with his fingers intertwined on both hands.
Even as investigators initially suggested Ivaylo Ivanov died by suicide, former head of Bulgaria’s State Agency for National Security (DANS), Tsvetlin Yovchev, has expressed skepticism. Yovchev questioned the plausibility of Ivanov shooting himself twice – once through the chin and then fatally in the temple – citing the force of the first shot and the need for a thorough pathological examination to determine if it caused brain damage affecting his ability to take further action. Yovchev suggested the suicide hypothesis was “too hasty” and that the second shot could have been fired by another person present at the lodge.
Possible Sect Involvement and Kalushev’s Role
Investigations have revealed that Ivaylo Kalushev led what investigators describe as a “closed society with elements of a sect” operating between Bulgaria and Mexico. Authorities allege this group attracted vulnerable individuals and families seeking spiritual guidance, but instead faced manipulation, abuse, and systematic control.
Yovchev characterized the group as having an “absolute hierarchy and power structure” and dismissed the idea that they were engaged in environmental protection, suggesting they may have been involved in illegal activities. He also raised concerns about the extensive number of firearms permits held by Ivaylo Ivanov – eight hunting rifles, one pistol, five barrels, and two silencers – questioning whether they were part of a “wet order group.”
Forensic Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Forensic analysis has revealed gunpowder residue on the hands of Decho Vassilev and Plamen Stattev, suggesting they had recently fired weapons. Further testing is underway to examine Ivaylo Ivanov’s clothing for gunpowder traces due to extensive blood contamination on his hands. Two spent shell casings recovered at the scene originated from a Glock pistol found near the deceased.
Yovchev expressed hope that investigators would not be removed from the case, warning that removing personnel could hinder progress and fuel conspiracy theories. He also commented on potential changes to the Ministry of Interior’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of a minister being able to operate with a trusted chief secretary.
Kalushev’s Last Known Movements
According to unofficial sources, Ivaylo Kalushev was last spotted traveling towards Burgas on February 2nd, before the shootings came to light. His traces then disappeared on third-class roads towards the village of Bulgari. The phones of all three wanted men were reportedly switched off in the evening hours of February 1st, with geolocation data placing them in the Barziya – Petrohan – Gintsi area.