Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Shipowner Arrested in Bulgaria Linked to Beirut Blast
A Russian-Cypriot man named Igor Grechushkin was arrested in Bulgaria.
He's accused of owning a ship, the Rhosus, that carried dangerous chemicals that caused a massive explosion in Beirut in 2020.
The explosion killed many people and damaged a large area.
Grechushkin was caught at the airport while traveling from Cyprus.
Authorities in Lebanon want to question him about the explosion.
He is being held for up to 40 days while the process of sending him to Lebanon is considered.
Igor Grechushkin was arrested in Bulgaria on an Interpol notice.
The arrest is related to the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
Grechushkin is suspected of owning the ship Rhosus, which transported ammonium nitrate.
He faces potential extradition to Lebanon.
The Bulgarian court has approved his detention for up to 40 days.
- Who
- Igor Grechushkin
- What
- Was arrested by Bulgarian authorities.
- When
- September 5
- Where
- Sofia Airport, Bulgaria
- Why
- Wanted in connection with the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
Investigation stalled by political wrangling
Investigation moving forward
Investigation Progress
Investigation stalled by political wrangling
The investigation has been mired in legal and political wrangling.
Investigation moving forward
Judge Tarek Bitar resumed his investigation into the blast, as the balance of power shifted in Lebanon.
- Arrested Person
- Igor Grechushkin, Russian-Cypriot citizen
- Arrest Location
- Sofia Airport, Bulgaria
- Reason for Arrest
- Interpol red notice for extradition to Lebanon
- Incident
- 2020 Beirut port explosion
- Victims
- Over 220 killed
- Ship Involved
- Rhosus
- Ship's Cargo
- Ammonium nitrate
