Petrohan-Okolchitsa Investigation: Prosecutor’s Office Reports Limited Progress, International Assistance Sought

Investigations into the deaths of six individuals at the Petrohan mountain lodge and Okolchitsa Peak have yielded limited novel information in recent weeks, according to statements from the Bulgarian Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, seeking assistance from international partners to analyze electronic evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Investigation Status as of March 5, 2026

As of March 5, 2026, the Prosecutor’s Office reported having no new information regarding the “Petrohan” and “Okolchitsa” cases since February 18th. Supervising prosecutor Tsvetelin Radoynov communicated this to Ralitsa Asenova, the mother of one of the victims, Nikolay Zlatkov.¹

The pre-trial proceedings for Petrohan and Okolchitsa have been combined under the leadership of the Sofia Prosecutor’s Office.¹ Examinations have not indicated the presence of any external parties involved in the deaths.¹

Forensic Examinations and Evidence Analysis

A triple forensic medical examination, involving specialists from Sofia, was conducted on the bodies recovered from Okolchitsa to establish an approximate time of death.¹ A decree for the release of the bodies was issued on March 6th, though a parent of one of the deceased subsequently requested access to evidence, which was granted.¹

Investigators have lifted bank secrecy on 44 accounts related to Ivaylo Kalushev’s NGO, revealing approximately BGN 300,000 in donations from officials over the past 3-4 years.¹ The largest single donation, amounting to BGN 251,000, was transferred to the personal account of Ivaylo Ivanov.

An inspection of the “Cosmos” school, where one of the deceased, Alexander Makulev, studied, revealed numerous administrative violations and a lack of control. Authorities are investigating whether these issues constitute a broader criminal offense.

International Cooperation

The Sofia Regional Prosecutor’s Office has requested assistance from a U.S. Partner agency and Europol to aid in the investigation.³⁴ The U.S. Agency will assist in extracting information from electronic devices, while Europol will help clarify the activities of the six deceased individuals in Mexico.³⁴

Preliminary Findings

The three bodies found in the camper were located in close proximity to each other, each with fatal gunshot wounds to the head.¹ Investigators have not yet determined who fired the shots.¹ A veterinary examination of the dogs that died in the hut determined they succumbed to suffocation from the fire and shock from burns.¹

To establish a motive, authorities plan to conduct psychological, psychiatric, sexological, and theological examinations.¹

Interior Minister Under Investigation

Separately, the Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a preliminary investigation into allegations of pressure exerted by the caretaker Interior Minister on investigators involved in the Petrohan-Okolchitsa case.² The investigation stems from complaints filed by an MP and two Interior Ministry officials.²