Hristo Shirokov placed under house arrest in Burgas

The Burgas District Court has changed the detention measure for Hristo Shirokov, the regional leader of the DPS, from custody to house arrest under electronic monitoring. The decision follows a forensic medical expert report indicating a significant deterioration in Shirokov’s health after undergoing heart surgery. The court ruled that continued detention would impede his necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Shirokov is accused of participating in an organized criminal group operating in the Burgas region. Prosecutors allege the group was established to commit crimes including coercion, abuse of office, and influence peddling. The investigation is linked to the alleged manipulation of water meters in hotels along the Black Sea coast and the collection of funds from owners, some of which allegedly reached Shirokov.

The court also reviewed an appeal from another accused individual, Metodi Smilov, but maintained his existing house arrest status, citing a continued risk of criminal activity and a lack of new evidence to change his measure.