Bulgaria investigates fire at weapons site that owner calls sabotage

Bulgarian authorities are investigating an overnight fire at an ammunition storage site operated by the private defense company EMCO. The incident, which occurred in central Bulgaria near the village of Gorni Varpishta, resulted in a series of explosions but no injuries. EMCO claims the fire was an act of sabotage, stating human error is impossible and that the facility had been unused for months and recently inspected. The company, whose weapons are supplied to Ukraine, has experienced similar incidents at other Bulgarian defense firms since 2011. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev indicated that "outside interference" is not being ruled out by officials. The owner of EMCO, arms dealer Emilian Gebrev, has previously been alleged to have been targeted by Russian agents.

Bulgaria is investigating a fire at a weapons storage facility operated by EMCO near the village of Tsareva Livada. The interior minister stated that sabotage is being considered as a possible cause, and investigators are looking for links to a previous fire at another EMCO facility in August. No injuries were reported in the incident. EMCO itself has claimed the fire was the result of sabotage, pointing to over ten similar incidents at Bulgarian defense firms since 2011. The investigation will review past fires at EMCO and other companies for potential connections.