# Bulgarian investigation into Petrohan deaths

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-investigation-into-petrohan-deaths
> Updated: 2026-09-13T09:06:49.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

The investigation into the deaths of multiple individuals near Petrohan Hut and Okolchitsa Peak has progressed through the submission of extensive forensic reports. Prosecutors in Sofia received a 157-page post-mortem expertise covering psychological, psychiatric, sexological, and theological aspects, alongside a second report involving eight specialists covering medical, ballistic, physicochemical, and technical findings.

Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has confirmed that two distinct legal proceedings are currently underway. The first focuses on the deaths of six individuals, while the second investigates the economic activities of the Petrohan association. This second inquiry is examining fund movements, the entity’s registration, and whether the association improperly utilized a name resembling a state institution to gain assistance from state bodies.

Deputy Appellate Prosecutor Natalia Nikolova recently stated that there is no evidence of foreign interference in the deaths, maintaining the initial theory of murder and suicide. Forensic evidence now indicates that Ivaylo Kalushev fired the shots at the Okolchitsa site. Criminal psychologist Rosen Yordanov provided a profile of Kalushev, describing him as meeting the criteria of a ‘predatory sexual offender’ and suggesting his public persona was a facade.

The economic track has expanded to include the financial flows of the deceased and their associated companies, specifically examining the registration of the Bulgarian Association for Extreme Sports and the National Agency for Protected Areas. Furthermore, a new pre-trial proceeding has been opened regarding potential dereliction of duty by officials at a private school and the Ministry of Education and Science. Minister Demerdzhiev noted the importance of determining whether the subsequent deaths of two children and a man at Okolchitsa could have been prevented by previous authorities. To date, the investigation has involved 40 inspections, 150 witness interrogations, and 95 expertises.

## Claims

- There is no evidence of foreign involvement in the deaths of the six individuals. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- A pre-trial proceeding has been opened regarding the non-performance of duties by officials in a private school and the Ministry of Education. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Preliminary precautionary measures have been imposed on the Bulgarian Association of Extreme Sports. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The shots at Okolchitsa were fired by Ivaylo Kalushev. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Authorities have conducted 40 inspections and interrogated 150 witnesses. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A total of 95 expertises have been prepared, with 12 more pending. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Criminal psychologist Rosen Yordanov stated that Ivaylo Kalushev met all criteria for a predatory sexual offender. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev questioned why the deaths of the six individuals could not have been prevented. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Bulgarian prosecutors update Petrohan-Okolchitsa investigation

Bulgarian prosecutors report no foreign involvement in the Petrohan-Okolchitsa deaths, identifying Ivaylo Kalushev as the shooter. Investigations into financial flows and educational officials continue.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-two-investigations-underway-in-petrohan-case

### 2026-08-28: Sofia prosecutors receive forensic reports in Petrohan Hut deaths case

The Sofia District Prosecutor's Office has received major forensic reports, including a 157-page psychological and theological expertise, as the investigation into six deaths near Petrohan Hut continues.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sofia-prosecutors-receive-forensic-reports-in-petrohan-hut-deaths-case

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Cite as: Bulgarian investigation into Petrohan deaths. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-investigation-into-petrohan-deaths