Petrohan and Okolchitsa Cases: Bulgaria Investigates Deaths and Calls for Transparency

Investigations are underway in Bulgaria following a series of deaths in the Petrohan Pass area and near Okolchitsa Peak, raising questions about potential connections, and motives. Authorities are examining the deaths of six individuals, including a 15-year-traditional boy, and are facing calls for greater transparency regarding the activities of individuals linked to the case.

Timeline of Events

February 2, 2026: Three men were found dead near a privately owned lodge at the Petrohan Pass. All six individuals were members of a non-governmental organization focused on nature and wildlife protection. The lodge was reportedly set on fire. BTA

February 3, 2026: Authorities confirmed the three deceased had been shot and had no prior criminal record. The organization had a framework agreement with the Ministry of Environment and Water in 2022 to protect nature in the area, though the agreement did not create specific obligations. BTA

February 8, 2026: The three missing men connected to the Petrohan case were found shot dead in a camper van near Okolchitsa Peak. BTA

Investigations and Key Figures

The Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are investigating the incidents, confirming both suicides and a murder-suicide. Novinite

Ivaylo Kalushev is wanted in connection with the Petrohan case and may be deceased, based on a message he sent to his mother suggesting a suicide attempt. BTA

Questions have been raised regarding potential collaboration between individuals in Kalushev’s group and the National Security Agency. During a parliamentary session, the chairman of the National Security Agency, Denyo Denev, stated he could not answer questions about such collaboration in an open session. Fakti.bg

Calls for Transparency

Bozhidar Bozhanov, co-chair of “Yes, Bulgaria” and MP from “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria,” has called for the declassification and publication of all documents related to the activities of Ivaylo Kalushev’s group and the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He argues this is necessary to determine if the tragedy could have been prevented. Fakti.bg

Requests to investigate whether special intelligence means were used in the hut have been made, but were not included in the parliamentary agenda. Fakti.bg

Further Developments

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the allegations and the handling of the case by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. BTA