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Bulgarian crackdown on Blood and Honor neo-Nazi cell

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-20 06:24 UTC → 2026-08-25 05:31 UTC · added removed

Bulgarian police and the State Agency for National Security (DANS) conducted a large-scale operation in Plovdiv targeting a local cell of the international neo-Nazi organization ‘Blood and Honor’. During the raid of a private club—a former restaurant decorated with swastikas and Nazi symbols—authorities detained 18 individuals, including minors and women. Three men, including a men have been formally charged: 42-year-old Ivaylo Kolev, identified as the leader of the local group, and Ivelin Velev (39) and his son Teodor Velev (18). Kolev is accused of being the primary perpetrator of promoting discrimination and discrimination, hatred, have been formally charged. and violence based on race, nationality, or sexual orientation. Prosecutors allege Kolev incited racial hatred in Teodor Velev, which allegedly led to a recent assault on Nepalese citizens in central Plovdiv. While authorities noted acquaintances between detainees and individuals involved in a recent homicide at Mladezhki Hill, no direct link to that murder has been established. Subsequent investigations have linked the group to a recent assault on two Nepalese citizens in central Plovdiv. Following Legal proceedings are ongoing regarding the crackdown, only one individual suspects' custody. While Kolev remains in custody. The prosecutor has requested the arrest of 18-year-old Teodor Velev, who was detention, a lower court previously released Ivelin Velev on a 700 1,000 euro bail for causing light bodily harm, while a 17-year-old accomplice remains under supervision. Charges against the group include inciting discrimination, hatred, and violence based Teodor Velev on race, nationality, or sexual orientation. National security expert Professor Nikolay Radulov noted that while neo-Nazi ideologies attract youth, proving such activity requires evidence of “active indoctrination rather than just the possession of extremist literature.” Experts suggested that recent media attention might create a perception of a larger surge in 700 euro bail. The Plovdiv District Prosecutor's Office has formally protested these groups than is actually occurring, noting that radicalized youth groups releases and neo-Nazi groups are distinct phenomena. is seeking pre-trial detention for all three men. The Plovdiv District Court is scheduled to rule on these detention measures on August 25.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-25 05:31 UTC Bulgarian crackdown on Blood and Honor neo-Nazi cell
  2. 2026-08-20 06:24 UTC Bulgarian crackdown on Blood and Honor neo-Nazi cell
  3. 2026-08-18 08:34 UTC Bulgarian crackdown on Blood and Honor neo-Nazi cell

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