Poaching Investigation at Kormisosh State Hunting Area Focuses on Former Director

Investigations are underway following a report of possible poaching at the Kormisosh State Hunting Area in Bulgaria. The case centers around the transfer of red deer antlers from an official vehicle of the farm to the private car of the farm’s recently dismissed director, Engineer Kostadin Radkov.

Report and Initial Findings

On January 11, 2026, a report was filed with emergency services (phone 112) regarding a vehicle stopped near Lucky, Bulgaria, where red deer antlers were visible. An inspection revealed the trophies were being transferred from a vehicle belonging to the Kormisosh State Hunting Area to a private car. The private vehicle then proceeded towards Asenovgrad, where it was intercepted by police and gendarmerie. Authorities discovered the antlers lacked documentation proving their legal origin, prompting an investigation by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Plovdiv. TrafficNews reported on the initial findings.

Focus on Former Director

The investigation has focused on Engineer Kostadin Radkov, the former director of the Kormisosh State Hunting Area. Radkov was dismissed from his position weeks prior to the incident due to “failure to cope with the perform and a reported poor financial result of the farm,” according to the company. Attempts to contact Radkov have been unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of reporting. TrafficNews

Kormisosh State Hunting Area and Trophy Value

The Kormisosh State Hunting Area, spanning 41,930 hectares, is located in the Western Rhodope mountain and is known for its diverse wildlife, including red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, mouflon, chamois, capercaillie, and brown bear. Bulgarian Hunting Tours states the area holds the world record for a wild boar trophy, scored at 158.20 CIC points. Red deer antlers are highly valued hunting trophies, with impressive specimens potentially fetching over 10-15 thousand euros depending on their size and quality.

Conflicting Statements

Current management of the Kormisosh State Hunting Area, led by Eng. Vanya Tasheva, disputes the initial report, stating that an employee sent to the location found no evidence of the transfer. The farm’s management also asserts that there are no current employees under investigation for handling illegal trophies and that their records regarding permits and harvested game are accurate. TrafficNews

Prosecutor’s Office Investigation

The District Prosecutor’s Office in Plovdiv confirmed the receipt of materials from the police investigation on February 3, 2026, and initiated an inspection regarding a potential crime under Article 237 of the Criminal Code, concerning poaching. Initial data suggests the trophy is a legally obtained red deer antler intended for mounting as an exhibit, harvested from a hunting farm in the Stara Zagora region. A final decision on whether to continue the investigation is pending. TrafficNews

The investigation continues to determine whether the incident was a simple misunderstanding regarding the transport of a valuable trophy or if it reveals more serious wrongdoing.