Workers and residents protest businessman's arrest in Gurkovo

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Arrests / detentions

4

The Sofia Directorate of Interior reported that four people were detained during the operation in the city.¹

The full story

On November 5, 2026, employees of a metal packaging factory and local residents in Gurkovo, Bulgaria, held a protest following the arrest of the company's owner, Kolyo Atanasov. The demonstration took place in front of the production facility and included a brief 30-minute blockade of the Republic Pass. Participants demanded transparency from authorities regarding the businessman's whereabouts and the nature of the accusations against him. The arrest occurred during a joint operation by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the Sofia Directorate of Interior, which involved searches at the factory and the businessman's home. According to police, the investigation concerns the unauthorized possession of technical equipment for illicit surveillance. Four individuals were detained during the operation. No official confirmation regarding the discovery of devices or formal charges has been released.

Timeline

1. Nov 5

   Workers and residents protested in Gurkovo and blocked the Republic Pass for 30 minutes following the arrest of a local businessman.¹