Bulgaria is investigating the suspected arson of Starlink satellite system equipment at a secured facility near Sofia. According to Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chair of the “Yes, Bulgaria” party, the incident damaged 11 of the 17 antennas that provided communication with SpaceX’s satellite network.
As reported by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), Mirchev stated that two unidentified, masked individuals broke into the facility and set the telecommunications equipment on fire.
According to the politician, these antennas are used to maintain communication with Starlink satellites, whose technology plays a crucial role in supporting communications during the war in Ukraine.
Mirchev criticized Bulgarian law enforcement agencies and special services for failing to provide public information about the incident. He also questioned whether the competent authorities had received warnings from partner intelligence agencies about a possible sabotage plot.
The politician reported that, together with MP Bozhidar Bozhanov, he had submitted parliamentary inquiries to the Bulgarian State Agency for National Security (DANS) and the Ministry of the Interior, demanding an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On October 13, Bulgarian media reported that an investigation was underway. According to their reports, law enforcement agencies are reviewing surveillance camera footage and other materials that could help identify the attackers.
On October 14, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed that an intensive investigation into the case is underway, involving the relevant authorities and partner agencies. At the same time, he declined to disclose details, citing the need to maintain the confidentiality of the investigation.
The incident occurred amid increased attention from European countries toward protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure. In particular, law enforcement agencies in Poland are investigating a separate case of arson targeting Starlink equipment in the Masovian Voivodeship. In October, German police detained two Turkish citizens on suspicion of involvement in this crime.
Starlink is a satellite-based broadband internet access system developed by the American company SpaceX. In Ukraine, it is used by civilian institutions, emergency services, businesses, and the military to maintain communications when ground-based infrastructure is damaged.
However, there is currently no official confirmation that the antennas damaged in Bulgaria were directly serving specific Ukrainian units or that the incident caused communication disruptions in Ukraine.
Source: Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA)
