Burgas Prosecutors Investigate Beauty Salon Video Leaks

Bulgarian Prosecutors Expand Investigation into Beauty Salon Video Leaks, Gynecological Office Also Under Scrutiny

Bulgarian authorities are expanding their investigation into the illegal recording of women in beauty salons, now including a probe into potential video surveillance at a gynecological office in Burgas. The developments come amid growing public outrage over leaked footage from multiple salons appearing on pornographic websites.

The investigation was prompted by reports of footage surfacing from a clinic in Sofia, according to NOVA News. Dr. Venelin Ivanov, who practices at the Sofia clinic, and his wife were initially detained for 24 hours but released due to a lack of evidence linking them to the publication of the recordings.

The Burgas District Prosecutor’s Office has now taken over the case involving the illicit videos from beauty salons, escalating the investigation beyond the initial inquiries conducted at the regional level. Authorities have notified the Regional Health Inspectorate of Burgas and the Commission for Personal Data Protection, and an investigation has been launched by the National Revenue Agency (NAP).

More than 100 complaints have been filed with police in Burgas alone, as women discover their images have been distributed online without their knowledge or consent. The leaked videos reportedly date back to 2023 and have appeared on over ten paid pornographic platforms, as well as on Telegram groups, according to reports.

Investigators have seized DVR devices, hard drives, mobile phones, and computer systems from two beauty salons in Burgas and three private residences connected to the businesses, seeking to trace the origin and distribution of the footage. No arrests have been made to date.

According to Chief Inspector Asen Fortunov, head of the Economic Police Department at the Burgas Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, approximately 160 video clips and photographs have been identified, with 120 already removed from accessible websites. Efforts are ongoing to restrict access to the remaining content, as the domains hosting the material are registered in several different countries.

The victims include public figures, such as a judge, a prosecutor, journalists, and relatives of regional officials, including the daughter of a regional governor and a police officer. Prosecutors have also confirmed that minors, aged 15 to 17, are among those affected, raising the severity of the case under both criminal and child protection laws.

One victim, speaking to Bulgarian NOVA TV, described the experience as “disgusting, humiliating,” and expressed fear of being recognized by others. Another victim stated they were alerted to the leak by friends who had seen the footage in an online group, describing feelings of “terrible disgust and revulsion.”

The investigation is now extending to beauty salons in other cities across the country, as authorities seek to determine the full scope of the illegal surveillance operation. The director of the Regional Health Inspectorate of Burgas has been instructed to provide records of all facilities in the region performing laser hair removal procedures, and the Commission for Personal Data Protection has been asked to submit any relevant documentation related to the administration of personal data by such studios.

Police continue to interview victims and gather information as the investigation progresses.