Elena Yoncheva signals Europol and Interpol regarding political misuse of data by the Ministry of Interior

DPS MEP Elena Yoncheva has taken decisive steps by sending official signals to Europol and Interpol. The reason for her actions is the alleged politically motivated misuse of personal data through the PNR system and international police cooperation mechanisms by the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior.

According to Yoncheva, information recently disclosed by Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev shows serious deviations from European Union legal norms. Documents indicate that the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) has launched an operational investigation related to the travels of a member of the Bulgarian Parliament and other individuals, which, according to the MEP, is not aimed at combating terrorism or serious crime.

"From the published information, it is clear that the goal was not to investigate a specific terrorist crime or other serious crime, but rather the collection and analysis of data related to travel, personal contacts, business activities, and financial movements," Yoncheva emphasized in her position.

The documents state that Bulgarian authorities have processed PNR records for the period from 2018 to 2026. The use of this data is strictly regulated by Directive (EU) 2016/681, which allows its processing only for the prevention and investigation of terrorism and serious crime. Yoncheva notes the lack of a prosecutorial or judicial decision to justify such interference in private life.

The MEP warns that turning international police tools into means for political surveillance and intelligence gathering against political figures undermines democratic processes and trust in institutions. She expressed readiness to meet with representatives of Europol and Interpol to discuss the seriousness of the case.