Bulgaria’s Interior Minister, Ivan Demerdzhiev, has recently delivered a comprehensive report to the nation’s Parliament, shedding light on ongoing investigations into individuals sanctioned under the US Global Magnitsky Act. Among those scrutinized is the prominent politician Delyan Peevski. This development follows a series of requests from lawmakers eager to gain insights into the progress of these probes.
The Interior Ministry’s report, which includes detailed flight reservation and travel records extending from 2023 through June 2026, pertains to individuals currently under investigation. Authorities have been keen to clarify that this information is being used solely for the purpose of ongoing investigations and does not impact future law enforcement activities. The central focus of the investigation is to determine whether those sanctioned have found ways to circumvent international restrictions by leveraging associates, businesses, or other tactics to retain control over their financial and business interests.
In collaboration with the US Treasury Department, Bulgarian officials are diligently examining potential cases of sanctions evasion. The situation has gained additional attention amidst reports alleging that Peevski has engaged in extensive travel using a private jet, raising questions about the funding behind over 180 such flights. Investigators are also exploring potential connections between these flights and business dealings, particularly in relation to assets tied to the Corpbank case.
Concurrently, the Bulgarian Prosecutor’s Office has initiated inspections into the alleged improper use of passenger reservation (PNR) data, prompted by numerous complaints. The outcome of these inspections will be crucial in determining whether there is a basis for launching a formal criminal investigation. This multi-faceted inquiry underscores the complexity and far-reaching implications of the ongoing investigations into the activities of sanctioned individuals in Bulgaria.