Bulgarian businessman Vladimir Yanok found burned dead in Bankya

Vladimir Yanok, a 56‑year‑old Bulgarian entrepreneur known as Vlado Zagato, was discovered dead in his Bankya residence after the house was set on fire. Early forensic examinations confirmed he was burned alive.

Investigators say the murder may be linked to a dispute over a large bitcoin wallet. Security footage from the property shows Yanok returning home accompanied by a man, after which a fire was ignited, apparently to destroy evidence. Police are also probing the involvement of his business partner Peter Popov and former gymnast Simona Peycheva, who had been seen with Yanok in the days before his death.

Yanok co‑owned several firms, including Zagato Ltd., which imports coffee, tea, vending‑machine supplies and related equipment. The companies report annual revenues up to 100 million lev.