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Bulgarian diplomatic corruption investigation

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2026-09-23 02:39 UTC → 2026-09-23 08:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Bulgaria recalled its ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Ivan Yordanov, following allegations of a corruption scheme. Investigators claimed that funds were diverted from state road guardrail contracts—valued at over 400 million euros—to a shell company allegedly owned by Yordanov’s father. These funds were reportedly used to pay for 36 private jet flights for U.S.-sanctioned lawmaker Delyan Peevski. Yordanov and Peevski both denied the allegations. While the Prime Minister called for Yordanov’s immediate removal, the Foreign Minister ordered an inspection of the Bulgarian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Following the investigation, Yordanov ~~has~~ returned to Bulgaria. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his arrival, noting that a comprehensive on-site inspection of the UAE diplomatic mission will be conducted. A final decision regarding Yordanov’s dismissal will require a proposal from the Council of Ministers and a presidential decree. Expanding the investigation into the flight costs, Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has requested that the National Revenue Agency (NAP) conduct a tax probe into Delyan Peevski. The Ministry of Interior reported that 36 invoices for these flights total approximately 5 million euros. Authorities seek to verify the actual amounts paid, the source of the funds, and whether there is a discrepancy between Peevski’s declared income and these expenditures. Peevski has dismissed the allegations as ‘fabrications’ and indicated he would contact the prosecutor’s office.

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