BLAZING, Bulgaria — The acting head of the State Agency for National Security (SANS), Denyo Denev, firmly rejected claims on Thursday that agency personnel were present during a recent incident at the Petrohan Lodge, which is tied to several deaths in the area. Speaking to reporters, Denev stated, “Categorically no,” adding that no SANS employees were involved at the site or linked to the non-governmental organization connected to the case.
This announcement came as the political atmosphere heated up. Lawmakers from the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) party demanded Denev’s resignation, alleging that he disrespected parliamentary proceedings by not answering inquiries about potential involvement of NGO members with SANS during a recent hearing. The politicians criticized Denev for dodging questions regarding collaboration between the NGO and the agency.
Denev maintained that SANS had conducted a thorough inspection years prior, prompted by tips about possible violations associated with the NGO, which has been under scrutiny. He reported that the agency submitted findings of criminal behavior to the prosecution service, contending, “SANS has done its job.”
Unfolding details surrounding the investigation have raised serious questions. CC-DB representatives have indicated that information suggests at least two individuals affiliated with the NGO had previous interactions with SANS. Party leader Assen Vassilev further insinuated that the agency might be “covering up a crime,” citing Interior Ministry reports that indicated surveillance of the NGO for over a year.
The inquiry into the tragic events surrounding the lodge deepened following the discovery of six bodies, including that of a 15-year-old boy, between February 2 and February 8. The fatalities, five males and one teenager, were all linked to the NGO, the National Agency for Control of Protected Areas. Investigators are currently attempting to determine whether the deaths were the result of homicides followed by suicides or were solely self-inflicted.
The deaths have sparked intense scrutiny from opposition figures, who are calling for the declassification of all documents tied to the ongoing investigation. They argue that transparency is essential for the public to understand the circumstances behind these tragic events.
As authorities work to piece together the investigation, the situation continues to evolve. Denev’s leadership and SANS’s actions are under increased examination, leaving many in Bulgaria questioning both the agency’s accountability and the truth surrounding the events at the Petrohan Lodge.