Scandal in Varna: Developer Nevzorov and ties to the family of MEP Radev

Illegal construction in a nature reserve

The Ukrainian corporation KUB, managed by Odesan businessman Oleg Nevzorov, has come under scrutiny due to an incident involving the development of the Baba Alino forest area near Varna. On the territory, which is part of the Natura 2000 nature protection network, 104 structures were recorded as having been built without the appropriate permits. In parallel with the construction violations, financial transactions were established: a structure linked to the developer transferred 500,000 euros to a company owned by the parents of Bulgarian MEP Emil Radev, a member of the GERB party.

Financial ties to the politician's family

The recipient of the funds was the company "Port Bilyana". Its ultimate beneficiaries are Yordan and Rositsa Radev — the parents of the Member of the European Parliament. Among the shareholders are also "Village Fruits" (76.19% stake), Dacho Yordanov, and Yordan Radev (11.90% each). The family business mentions the MEP's daughter, Zornitsa, while his wife, Maria Radeva, holds the position of judge at the Supreme Administrative Court of Bulgaria.

According to the investigation data, the Radev family has historical land ties with Nevzorov's company. In 2007, the politician's father, together with a partner, purchased two-thirds of a forest plot of 4,806 square metres. The remaining third was then acquired by the company "Euro Rit". On 16 June 2025, Nevzorov's structure bought this share, and on 27 June, the deal was officially registered. Emil Radev confirmed the fact of joint land ownership but stated that the sale took place without his knowledge. He also denied providing political patronage to the developer.

Corporate structure and Russian trail

The operator of the construction works is the company "Forest Club Varna", with Nevzorov listed as its head. Vladimir Fadeev, Anna Livadova, and the company "Godelux" each hold 33.33% of the shares. The latter belongs to Igor Zgurov, who has ties to the Ukrainian MTB Bank: his indirect stake in the bank is 4.2%. Another company in the group, "VilApart Arcanum", attempted to block the dismantling of a fence on nine forest plots through the courts.

A Russian citizen was found in Nevzorov's corporate network in Ukraine, who manages the company "K.U.B. 2020". Among the founders of this structure are "RD-Stroy SU-1" (33.4%), "Odek Development" (33.3%), and "D Group Development" (33.3%). The company "D Group Development" is half-owned by Russian citizen Vadim Dashut, with the remaining 50% belonging to Dmytro Starovoitov. Thus, Dashut's indirect stake in "K.U.B. 2020" is 16.65%. Meanwhile, no evidence has been established so far that the Bulgarian project was financed from Russia.

Suspicious prices and notarial deals

Certain questions are raised by the real estate prices in the project. According to the investigation, Ukrainian citizen Maria Demireva bought apartments for approximately 700 euros per square metre, and resold one of them for almost twice the price. On 13 May 2026, a 72-square-metre house was sold for 60,000 euros — about 833 euros per square metre. The deals were certified by notary Stilyan Chernev, the husband of former acting head of the Supreme Administrative Court of Bulgaria Marinika Cherneva. In addition, on 9 March, the developer registered over 90 deeds of ownership in a single day. Assumptions about possible hidden settlements require further confirmation.

Ties with officials and government reaction

The materials mention official Alexander Dragnev, appointed during the tenure of Varna mayor Ivan Portnikov from GERB. He built a house with the participation of entrepreneur Trayan Georgiev, who is a witness for the prosecution in the case against the current city mayor, Blagimir Kotsev. Dragnev's land cost 50,000 euros, and the permit was signed by architect Viktor Buzev.

Despite numerous reports of illegal logging, the developer received only two fines of 500–1,000 leva. Signals of violations had been coming since 2023, but construction did not stop. The city council issued 12 orders for the demolition of structures housing over 40 apartments, but the court suspended the immediate dismantling. According to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, the police conducted 57 inspections of the sites. The investigation is checking construction documentation, possible document forgery, and the actions of officials.

The investigation points to a number of corporate and land ties between the developer, the MEP's family, and other participants in the project. The legality of the construction, the origin of certain payments, and possible patronage by officials remain the subject of active checks.