A Bulgarian court rejected Lebanon’s request to extradite Russian shipowner Igor Grechushkin, citing a lack of sufficient guarantees that he would not face or receive the death penalty. Grechushkin, a Cyprus-based businessman, underwent arrest in Bulgaria in September following a Lebanese warrant related to his role in the deadly 2020 Beirut port explosion.
His lawyer, Ekaterina Dimitrova, stated that the court determined the Lebanese authorities failed to provide adequate assurances for the protection of the accused’s human rights. The hearing took place behind closed doors.
Role in the Beirut disaster
Grechushkin owned the ship that transported the tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which authorities abandoned at Beirut port and which triggered one of history’s largest non-nuclear explosions. The blast killed more than 220 people and displaced tens of thousands.
Since 2020, he has appeared on Interpol’s wanted list.
Prosecution plans appeal
The supervising prosecutor, Angel Kanev, announced an appeal against the decision. He pointed out that Lebanon had supplied guarantees through its justice minister, Supreme Court and attorney general.
“Given that these guarantees come from such authorities… I consider the conditions for extradition met,” he said.
From the Lebanese side, a judicial source indicated that the country cannot alter its legislation on a case-by-case basis but works on a solution to reassure Sofia, while planning an appeal. The source added that the case investigator could still question Grechushkin within Bulgaria.
“This represents a temporary victory, as the most important aspect involves interrogating him to uncover the truth and ensure accountability,” the source told Reuters.
Stalled investigation due to interference
Lebanon’s probe into the explosion’s causes and potential negligence by senior officials has encountered difficulties from political interventions. The initial investigator faced removal after charging high-ranking figures. His successor, Tarek Bitar, also accused top politicians, who refused examination, halted the inquiry and deny any responsibility.
Mr Bitar restarted the investigation earlier this year and has questioned several officials, yet he has not issued the long-awaited preliminary decision.
Background of the disaster
In 2013, the Moldova-flagged Rhosus left Georgia carrying 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate destined for Mozambique. The vessel made an unscheduled stop in Beirut, where authorities detained it over unpaid fees and safety issues. Grechushkin abandoned the ship and crew. The dangerous cargo remained stored in a port warehouse for years despite repeated warnings. On 4 August 2020 it detonated in one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded, killing more than 220 people, injuring thousands and devastating large parts of the capital.
Legal complications
No extradition treaty exists between Lebanon and Bulgaria, leaving the final decision to Bulgarian authorities. Grechushkin holds both Russian and Cypriot citizenship, opening the possibility that Moscow or Nicosia could also claim him. Most countries, including Russia, refuse to extradite their own nationals.
Lawyers from the Beirut Bar Association handling the case said the extradition file will include a summary of the charges and supporting evidence. Lebanese lawyer Youssef Lahoud explained that any Interpol member state can arrest a red-notice subject, as happened in Bulgaria.
Stalled justice in Lebanon
Victims’ families accuse Lebanon’s political leadership of systematically obstructing the investigation to shield senior officials. Previous judges faced removal or legal blocks when attempting to charge high-ranking figures. The current lead investigator, Tarek Bitar, resumed work earlier this year but has yet to issue indictments.
Also read: Beirut explosion suspect arrested after leaving Cyprus
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