Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has put forward a report to the Parliament, shedding light on ongoing investigations into individuals sanctioned under the US Global Magnitsky Act, including the politician Delyan Peevski. This report was submitted in response to requests from lawmakers who sought detailed information regarding these probes. The Interior Ministry has clarified that the report contains flight reservation and travel records spanning from 2023 to June 2026 for the individuals under scrutiny. Importantly, officials noted that this information is part of continuing investigations and does not influence future law enforcement measures.
The investigations aim to determine whether those sanctioned have been utilizing associates, businesses, or other mechanisms to circumvent international sanctions, allowing them to retain control over their financial assets and business ventures. In this effort, Bulgarian authorities are collaborating with the US Treasury Department to explore potential sanctions evasion. The situation has gained additional attention following allegations concerning Peevski’s private jet travels and scrutiny over the financing of over 180 private flights. Authorities are actively probing for possible connections between these flights, business transactions, and assets related to the Corpbank case.
Amid these developments, Bulgaria’s Prosecutor’s Office has initiated inspections into the alleged misuse of passenger reservation (PNR) data. These inspections were prompted by multiple complaints received by the office. The outcomes from these inspections will be crucial in deciding whether there is sufficient ground to launch a formal criminal investigation.
The unfolding investigations are part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of international sanctions and ensure compliance. The collaboration between Bulgarian authorities and the US Treasury highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex financial and legal challenges associated with sanctions evasion. As the investigations continue, all eyes remain on the findings and their potential implications for those involved.