Lebanese authorities are closely monitoring the case of Igor Grechushkin, the Russian-Cypriot owner of the vessel Rhosus, who is currently detained in Bulgaria, as they seek to question him in connection with the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Conflicting reports in recent days have fueled speculation over whether he might be interrogated in Bulgaria or transferred to Lebanon.

Sources familiar with the case told Annahar that much of the recent media reporting is inaccurate or exaggerated, and that Bulgarian judicial procedures are proceeding normally without any significant developments so far.

The last hearing in Grechushkin’s case took place in Sofia two weeks ago, marking the first session to consider his potential extradition to Lebanon. His lawyer submitted arguments concerning his legal and health status, claiming he was ill to justify a request for release. However, medical examinations indicated he only suffers from high cholesterol with no serious health risk. The Bulgarian court therefore decided to keep him in custody pending a second hearing expected within the next two weeks.

Lebanese authorities continue to coordinate with Bulgarian officials, awaiting an official response to Lebanon’s request to question him. According to Annahar, estimates indicate roughly an 80% likelihood that Grechushkin could be questioned by Judge Tarek Bitar in Bulgaria, though the process first requires lifting the travel ban on Bitar in Lebanon to formally submit the request.

“The next step depends on Bulgaria’s decision, but administrative and legal preparations in Beirut must proceed in parallel to expedite the process once approval is granted,” the sources said, denying media reports suggesting new developments in Bulgaria.

Claims of Russian or Cypriot intervention to block Grechushkin’s extradition or questioning are unfounded, the sources added, noting that both countries are fully cooperating with Lebanon. The final decision remains with the Bulgarian judiciary, which is handling the case with strict legal oversight.