Sofia, Bulgaria — Denyo Denev, the acting chair of the State Agency for National Security (SANS), firmly rejected allegations that his agency had any officers present at the Petrohan Lodge, where a tragic incident resulted in multiple deaths earlier this month. During a press briefing on Thursday, Denev stated, “Absolutely not,” when questioned about the purported involvement of SANS agents with the National Protected Areas Control Agency (NPACA), the organization linked to the case.
The controversy surrounding Denev escalated as members of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) party called for his resignation, citing disrespect shown during a parliamentary hearing the previous day. Denev had declined to clarify whether individuals connected to an NGO had any ties to SANS, a move the MPs deemed unacceptable.
In response to previous allegations related to the NGO’s activities, Denev acknowledged that SANS had conducted an investigation years ago and had sent relevant findings to the prosecution service, claiming, “SANS fulfilled its obligation by carrying out a check and forwarding details suggesting criminal activity.” He expressed surprise at the calls for his resignation, stating he was unaware of the mounting pressure from parliament.
Meanwhile, CC-DB leaders asserted that information gathered from discreet sources hinted at potential connections between the NGO and at least two individuals who had interacted with SANS. Party leader Assen Vassilev raised the stakes, suggesting that SANS might be involved in covering up serious misconduct, given that the group had reportedly been under surveillance by the Interior Ministry for over a year.
The investigation into the tragic deaths continues to unfold. From February 2 to February 8, the bodies of six individuals—five men and a 15-year-old boy—were discovered near the lodge and Okolchitsa Peak in northwestern Bulgaria. Victims are believed to have links to the NGO in question. Authorities are currently examining whether the deaths were the result of homicides followed by suicides or if they were solely suicides.
As pressure mounts on SANS, opposition lawmakers are demanding complete transparency regarding the agency’s involvement, insisting on the declassification of all documents associated with the case. The call for accountability underscores the increasing scrutiny regarding public safety and the role of government agencies in the ongoing investigation.