Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has presented a comprehensive report to Parliament, outlining current investigations into individuals sanctioned under the US Global Magnitsky Act, with a particular focus on the politician Delyan Peevski. This report was released in response to requests from lawmakers who sought detailed information regarding the ongoing probes.
The Interior Ministry specified that the report contains flight reservation and travel records for sanctioned individuals, spanning from 2023 to June 2026. Officials emphasized that this information is integral to ongoing investigations and will not influence any prospective law enforcement actions. The primary aim of the investigation is to determine whether these individuals have employed associates, businesses, or other means to circumvent international sanctions while retaining control over their financial assets and business dealings. Additionally, Bulgarian authorities are working closely with the US Treasury Department to explore any potential instances of sanctions evasion.
The situation has escalated following allegations concerning Peevski’s use of private jets, leading to scrutiny over the financing of more than 180 private flights. Authorities are investigating possible connections between these flights, relevant business transactions, and assets that may be linked to the Corpbank case. This aspect of the investigation has drawn significant attention and heightened the controversy surrounding Peevski.
In a related development, Bulgaria’s Prosecutor’s Office has initiated inspections in response to multiple complaints regarding the alleged misuse of passenger reservation (PNR) data. These inspections aim to ascertain whether there is sufficient basis to warrant a formal criminal investigation. The findings from these inspections are expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps in the legal process.