National security expert discusses Bulgarian crime wave and NSO scandal

National security expert Assoc. Prof. Asen Peychev has commented on a series of violent incidents and security scandals in Bulgaria, describing the current situation as a ‘perfect criminal storm.’

Peychev noted a pattern of attacks on businessmen, beginning with the murder of Vladimir Yankov, followed by an assassination attempt on Ilian Filipov, and escalating with the murder of Slavi Binev. He observed that the murder of Binev occurred at a politically sensitive time, specifically on the day of reflection before presidential elections, suggesting the event may have been used for political purposes.

Regarding the National Security Institute (NSO) scandal involving journalist Sonya Koltuklieva and the subsequent resignation of NSO head Gen. Emil Tonev, Peychev characterized the incident as an unplanned error by state security due to an underestimation of the situation. However, he maintained that the tactical actions of the NSO employees involved were legally sound and justified.