Petrohan case: New expertise details involvement of a minor

New expert findings in the Petrohan case have introduced the involvement of an emotionally vulnerable minor, a development that has polarized public opinion. According to prosecution data, the minor met members of the group surrounding Ivo Kalushev in Italy in 2023 at age 11 and met them again two years later. The investigation suggests the child was encouraged to visit a hut near Petrohan by Nikolay Zlatkov, who allegedly promoted spiritual practices and a special connection to Kalushev.

The expertise claims the group instilled beliefs in the minor that urban life was an illusion and that children did not belong to their parents. Following a trip with Kalushev, Zlatkov, and Alexander Makulev, the child reported a sexual incident to their father. The prosecution suggests this was a turning point, as Kalushev faced the risk of this information being revealed.

Criminal psychologist Todor Todorov has criticized the handling of the investigation and the recent press conference. He noted that the complexity of the events does not necessarily indicate an organized contract killing, as organized crime typically seeks more visibility. Todorov also suggested that the investigation may have flaws, stating that the way information was presented to relatives and journalists was a strategic error.