Bulmetal owner detained in Gurkovo police operation

Bulgarian authorities, including the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDБОП) and the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs (СДВР), conducted a large-scale operation targeting the Bulmetal metal packaging factory and the home of its owner, Kolyo Atanasov, in Gurkovo.

Four individuals, aged 31 to 54, were detained during the operation. The investigation focuses on the alleged illegal use of special technical means for clandestine information gathering, specifically the use of tracking devices known as trackers. While Atanasov was detained for 24 hours, he and the other detainees have since been released without formal charges as investigations continue.

The police action caused significant disruption to the factory, which is a major employer in the municipality. The operation also triggered a spontaneous protest by workers and local residents, who briefly blocked the Republic Pass (Prohod na Republikata) to demand information regarding the detention.

Authorities are currently conducting forensic examinations on seized computers, mobile phones, and suspected tracking devices to determine their purpose and usage. The case is being overseen by the Sofia District Prosecutor's Office.