Mystery Grips Bulgaria Over Two Triple Killings in the Mountains

A series of unsolved shootings in Bulgaria’s mountains has left five men and a 15-year-old boy dead, sparking widespread speculation and raising questions about potential criminal activity and official transparency. The case, dubbed ‘the Bulgarian Twin Peaks’ by some, centers around two separate incidents and a group of individuals connected to environmental activism and ‘spiritual’ adventure tours.

The First Shooting: Petrohan Mountain Lodge

On February 2, police responded to a fire at the Petrohan mountain lodge, near the village of Gintsi, approximately 62 kilometers from the Serbian border. Upon arrival, officers discovered three men shot in the head, along with two deceased dogs. The lodge itself had sustained fire damage. The victims were later identified as Ivaylo Ivanov, a 49-year-old lawyer; Detcho Vassilev, a 45-year-old owner of an accounting firm; and Plamen Statev, a 51-year-old diving instructor.

Ivaylo Kalushev: A Key Figure

Among the six fatalities is Ivaylo Kalushev, described as a cave explorer and ‘spiritual’ tour guide. Authorities are reportedly scrutinizing Kalushev and some of the other victims, investigating potential criminal connections. Prior to his involvement with the Petrohan hut, Kalushev lived for almost 10 years in a house in the Botevgrad village of Kraevo, where he was registered until 2016. He reportedly lived there with Deyan Iliev, who reported the shooting at the Petrohan hut.

Possible Motives and Connections

Those close to the victims suggest they may have been killed after witnessing criminal activity near the Bulgarian-Serbian border, an area known for migrant-smuggling and illegal logging. Journalist Stoyan Neshev has pointed to a house in Bulgari as being important to Kalushev and his organization, with reports suggesting previous owners left due to claims the property was “possessed,” as allegedly told to a child who accompanied Kalushev. Deyan Iliev, who discovered the bodies at the hut, is considered a key witness, and questions have been raised about why he did not immediately inform his wife of the discovery, instead maintaining contact with his father.

Official Response and Concerns

The lack of official details released by police has fueled speculation and suspicion that authorities may be withholding information. Former MP Ivan Hristanov has publicly claimed the sale of the Petrohan hut to Kalushev occurred without an auction in November 2021, and that the process was unusually fast. Minister Ivan Hristanov has stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a public commitment to transparency, civil control, and an uncompromising fight against corruption, and has alerted the prime minister about a potential threat to national security.