Yulian Yankov surrenders to Greek authorities in Halkidiki

Bulgarian businessman Yulian Yankov, also known as ‘Kartofa’, has surrendered to Greek authorities in Halkidiki. Yankov was wanted under a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Stara Zagora District Prosecutor's Office.

Yankov is accused of the unlawful appropriation of several vehicles between October and November 2025. The charges involve five passenger cars, six trucks, and one trailer. Prosecutors allege the vehicles were obtained through purchase or usage agreements, after which payments were stopped and the vehicles were not returned.

Yankov claims his surrender is a move to expose improper actions by the Bulgarian prosecution. He alleges that the prosecution was pressured by Georgi Kandev, a vice-presidential candidate and former Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, following Yankov's refusal to grant Kandev 50% of his business. While Yankov maintains he surrendered voluntarily to fulfill civic duties, Greek authorities detained him following information provided by the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior.