Bulgarian businessman arrested in connection with 1.4-ton cocaine trafficking case

Bulgarian businessman Ivan Lambov has been arrested in Burgas following a request from German authorities regarding an international cocaine trafficking investigation. The case involves the transport of approximately 1.3 to 1.4 tons of cocaine and 100 kg of amphetamines from the port of Antwerp to Düsseldorf, with an estimated value of tens of millions of euros.

Lambov has consented to voluntary extradition to Germany under a European Arrest Warrant. However, his defense argues that he is not responsible for the shipment, claiming he sold his transport company to a German citizen in 2021 and had no involvement in its management during the period the drugs were moved in 2024. He suggests the investigation stems from testimony provided by the new owner.

The extradition process faces potential delays. While Lambov seeks house arrest, the Bulgarian prosecution has opposed immediate extradition, citing a pending case in the Sofia City Court involving charges of death threats. The prosecution argues that the Bulgarian legal proceedings must be concluded before he is transferred to German custody.