Bulgarian prosecutors have widened their investigation into the mysterious “Petrohan–Okolchitsa” deaths, turning to international partners for technical and analytical support as authorities attempt to piece together the circumstances behind six fatalities discovered in two remote mountain locations.
The Sofia District Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that formal requests for cooperation were sent to both a United States partner agency and Europol, signaling that investigators believe critical evidence may lie beyond Bulgaria’s borders.
The outreach follows weeks of forensic work after three people were found dead at the Petrohan mountain hut and three more bodies were later discovered inside a camper van near Okolchitsa Peak. The proximity of the two sites and similarities between the cases prompted authorities to treat the incidents as potentially connected.
According to prosecutors, the requests were initiated by the supervising magistrate overseeing the proceedings. The aim, officials said, is to ensure “a complete and objective clarification of all facts,” particularly those that may involve cross-border travel or digital communications.
Investigators have seized multiple electronic devices during searches connected to the victims. These include mobile phones, laptops, storage drives and other digital media that could contain messages, geolocation records or financial data relevant to the timeline of events.
All seized electronics have already been transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Science, which operates under Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior. Specialists there are conducting detailed examinations aimed at recovering deleted or encrypted files.
However, prosecutors acknowledged that some devices may require advanced extraction methods beyond local capabilities. As a result, the appeal to the United States partner agency focuses on highly specialized technical assistance to retrieve hidden or damaged data.
“This type of cooperation is often essential when dealing with modern encrypted technology,” a source close to the investigation said, noting that international expertise can significantly speed up the process of recovering usable information.
At the same time, the Bulgarian side has requested support through Eurojust, asking that Europol analysts help compile intelligence reports related to the movements and activities of the six Bulgarian nationals abroad.
Investigators are particularly interested in the group’s links to Mexico, where they reportedly spent time before returning to Bulgaria. Authorities are seeking details about any registered addresses, vehicles, properties or other official records connected to their stay.
Such information could shed light on the victims’ recent history, including possible business dealings, financial arrangements or contacts that might help explain the sequence of events leading to the fatalities.
Law enforcement officials stressed that the international requests do not imply criminal wrongdoing abroad but are standard procedures when an investigation crosses national boundaries. “Every potential source of information must be examined,” prosecutors said.
The rugged terrain surrounding the Petrohan hut and Okolchitsa Peak has complicated on-site examinations. Mountain weather conditions and limited accessibility delayed early searches and required specialized teams to transport evidence.
Despite these challenges, authorities say progress is being made. Autopsy results, toxicology analyses and digital forensics are being compiled alongside travel and communication records to reconstruct the final days of the victims.
Legal experts note that cooperation with Europol and U.S. agencies can significantly expand investigative reach, allowing Bulgarian authorities to access databases, intelligence networks and analytical tools not otherwise available domestically.
For residents in the nearby communities, the case has stirred unease and speculation. Local officials have urged the public to avoid rumors and allow investigators to work methodically.
Prosecutors have not disclosed the identities of the victims or the suspected cause of death, citing the ongoing inquiry. More information is expected once preliminary forensic results are complete.
Until then, authorities say the focus remains on following every digital and international lead, hoping that data stored on seized devices or records abroad will ultimately explain how the six lives were lost in Bulgaria’s remote mountains.