Russia Warns Citizens Against Travel to Bulgaria Over Risk of US Arrests

The Russian Embassy in Sofia has circulated a warning issued by the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, cautioning its citizens about what it describes as a heightened risk of detention abroad at the request of US authorities. Among the countries mentioned as posing such a risk is Bulgaria, alongside a broad list of mainly European states.

According to the message, Russian nationals who are detained in these countries may face extradition to the United States. The embassy’s communication claims that once transferred to American jurisdiction, individuals are unlikely to receive a fair trial and could be subjected to significant prison sentences, typically ranging between 15 and 25 years. The warning was relayed through diplomatic channels linked to Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova.

The statement traces this practice back to 2008, when Russian businessman Viktor Bout was arrested in Thailand at the request of the United States and later extradited. Since then, Moscow argues, Washington has increasingly applied its laws beyond its borders, leading to the detention of more than 100 Russian citizens over the past two decades in third countries before their transfer to the US.

Russian authorities further allege that those detained often face pressure, including intimidation and psychological tactics, to admit guilt or agree to plea deals. Refusal to cooperate, the statement claims, can result in particularly harsh sentences, sometimes approaching life imprisonment. The warning also notes that US legal actions have intensified since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, especially through sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, which may expose more individuals to prosecution.

Citizens who believe they could be under investigation or included on US sanctions lists are advised to avoid traveling to countries that have extradition agreements with Washington or maintain close cooperation with American authorities. The ministry also warns against transit through airports in such states, arguing that detentions can occur immediately upon arrival and are difficult to reverse.

In addition, the statement claims that US agencies may use deceptive methods, such as business or tourism offers, to lure Russian citizens abroad, where they can then be arrested. Russian diplomatic missions say they will continue to provide assistance within their capabilities but stress that prevention remains the most effective measure.

The list of countries identified as carrying increased risk is extensive. In Europe, it includes Bulgaria, Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Finland, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia. Outside Europe, the warning also covers Canada; a wide range of Latin American states such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile; countries in the Asia-Pacific region including Australia, Israel, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand; as well as several African nations, among them Morocco and Liberia.