Bulgaria's VIK‑Burgas scandal implicates DPS leader Hristo Shirokov

The court case against the VIK‑Burgas water utility entered the courtroom 21 days after a police operation, with four suspects charged with participation in an organised crime group. Among them are former VIK‑Burgas director Tsvetan Mirchev and regional leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) Hristo Shirokov.

Prosecutor Boyko Demerdzhiev said the state‑funded money “has a clear address that leads directly to Shirokov” and pledged that the investigation will continue. Shirokov surrendered shortly after the July raid, describing the charges as “political pressure”. Prime Minister Rumen Radev reiterated that “the law is not a tool for negotiation, but the only standard for security”. Demerdzhiev called for the state prosecution to protect the public interest with the same determination as the police.