# Legal dispute between Georgi Kandev and Yulian Yankov > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/legal-dispute-between-georgi-kandev-and-yulian-yankov > Updated: 2026-10-04T08:25:08.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. The legal conflict between Bulgarian vice-presidential candidate Georgi Kandev and businessman Yulian Yankov, known as ‘Kartofa’, has escalated from a defamation lawsuit to an international arrest warrant. In July 2026, Kandev filed a private defamation lawsuit at the Pernik District Court, alleging that Yankov had falsely attributed uncommitted crimes to him. This followed an interview where Yankov claimed he had attempted to bribe Kandev and that Kandev had demanded a six-figure sum and a 50% business stake. Kandev had previously alleged he was facing threats from Yankov. By October 2026, Yankov surrendered to Greek authorities in Halkidiki to face a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Stara Zagora District Prosecutor's Office in Bulgaria. Yankov faces charges regarding the unlawful appropriation of several vehicles, specifically five passenger cars, six trucks, and one trailer, allegedly obtained through purchase or usage agreements where payments were subsequently stopped. Through his lawyer, Yankov claimed his surrender was a move to expose ‘unlawful actions of the prosecution in the Republic of Bulgaria,’ alleging the prosecution was acting under pressure from Kandev following Yankov’s refusal to grant the candidate a 50% stake in 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-04: Yulian Yankov surrenders to Greek authorities in Halkidiki Bulgarian businessman Yulian Yankov has surrendered to Greek authorities in Halkidiki amid an arrest warrant for vehicle theft and allegations of political pressure involving Georgi Kandev. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yulian-yankov-surrenders-to-greek-authorities-in-halkidiki ### 2026-09-14: Georgi Kandev sues businessman Yulian Yankov for defamation Former Ministry of Interior Secretary General Georgi Kandev has filed a defamation lawsuit against businessman Yulian Yankov following bribery allegations made by Yankov in a recent interview. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgi-kandev-sues-businessman-yulian-yankov-for-defamation --- Cite as: Legal dispute between Georgi Kandev and Yulian Yankov. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/legal-dispute-between-georgi-kandev-and-yulian-yankov