Hristo Shirokov appeals detention in Burgas water utility extortion case

The Burgas Appellate Court is set to review an appeal by Hristo Shirokov, the regional coordinator for the DPS political party, against his pretrial detention. Shirokov is accused of participating in an organized criminal group alongside officials from the water utility company, ViK-Burgas.

Prosecutors allege the group operated a scheme involving extortion and influence peddling targeting hoteliers in the Sunny Beach and Ravda areas. According to the investigation, the group manipulated water meter readings, allowing businesses to avoid paying for actual water consumption in exchange for payments ranging between 10,000 and 30,000 BGN per property. Shirokov is accused of playing a role in redistributing these funds.

While Shirokov remains in custody, other suspects, including former ViK-Burgas manager Tsvetan Mirchev, have been placed under house arrest. The investigation follows a large-scale police operation in July that involved searches at the water utility's headquarters and the detention of over ten individuals.