Former Bulgarian MP Iliya Iliev detained in police operation

Iliya Yankov Iliev, a former Member of Parliament from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), has been detained during a specialized operation by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) in Kostinbrod.

The investigation is linked to alleged misuse of public procurement funds within the water and sewerage (ViK) sector, specifically connected to an ongoing case in Burgas. During the operation, authorities reportedly discovered large sums of cash, luxury items, and are investigating high-value real estate properties.

While Iliev's specific role in the current investigation has not been officially disclosed, the operation follows the arrest of DPS regional leader Hristo Shirokov in a related matter. Iliev served in the 43rd National Assembly from 2014 to 2017 and previously faced charges in 2017 regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds from the National Company Railway Infrastructure, though that case is separate from the current probe.