Petrohan residents provided a drone to the Border Police on one occasion

The Border Police did not assign any duties or powers to the National Protected Areas Control Agency (NPACA), a non-governmental organisation whose members were staying at the Petrohan mountain hut. This was stated by the Border Police directorate in response to an inquiry from BTA.

In November 2024, however, NPACA provided a drone equipped with thermal imaging to assist border police officers in the apprehension of illegal migrants. The Border Police added that no reports of abuse of power by the organisation had been filed.

The statement comes after six members of the organisation, who were staying at the Petrohan mountain hut in western Bulgaria, were found dead in early February. The incident has raised questions about a possible connection between their activities and border security.

• Authorities investigate mass murder or series of suicides involving six victims
• Donations, political ties of the victims in “Petrohan” case under investigation
• Prosecutor’s Office seeks international assistance in "Petrohan" case

Editor: Miglena Ivanova