Bulgaria’s Interior Minister, Ivan Demerdzhiev, has presented a comprehensive report to Parliament, detailing the ongoing investigations targeting individuals sanctioned under the US Global Magnitsky Act. Among those under scrutiny is politician Delyan Peevski. This report follows demands from lawmakers eager for more information on the progress and findings of these probes.
The Interior Ministry has disclosed that the report encompasses flight reservation and travel records spanning from 2023 to June 2026 for those under investigation. Officials have emphasized that this data is part of ongoing investigative efforts and will not impede any future law enforcement measures. The primary objective of the investigation is to ascertain whether the sanctioned individuals have utilized intermediaries, businesses, or other mechanisms to circumvent international sanctions while continuing to control their financial assets and business operations.
In an effort to deepen the inquiry, Bulgarian authorities are collaborating with the US Treasury Department to explore potential sanctions evasion. The investigation has gained momentum amid allegations regarding Peevski’s private jet travels and concerns about the funding of over 180 private flights. Authorities are probing possible connections between these flights, business dealings, and assets linked to the Corpbank case.
Simultaneously, Bulgaria’s Prosecutor’s Office has initiated inspections into the alleged misuse of passenger reservation (PNR) data. This action comes after receiving numerous complaints. The outcome of these inspections will determine if there are grounds for a formal criminal investigation to be launched.