A Russian consulate in the Bulgarian city of Varna, which was closed by the authorities for espionage in 2022, is still operating secretly at the premises of the pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Dnevnik news outlet reported on November 14.

In June 2022, Bulgaria declared 70 Russians working for diplomatic representations in the country  personae non grata, including almost the whole personnel of the Varna consulate. The decision was taken based on three reports by the national security agency (DANS).

Dnevnik noted that evidence of the consulate’s illegal operations were numerous posts on social media and on chats, which show that Russian citizens who are also spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda on their Facebook profiles are aiding the consulate.

The local organisation of the BSP has provided its office to the consulate to continue its work unofficially.

Dnevnik published an example of secret operations in Varna. A Facebook user asked on October 21 in a group of Russian-speaking citizens living in Varna a question on how to register online for getting documents by the Russian consulate. The user received a response from another user that the next day there would be a consular reception in Varna and left information for a contact person – Marina Nacheva, leader of the Russian Club in Varna.

Another post provides the exact address where the consulate operates and information that this is the BSP’s building, as well as a WhatsApp channel for registration for consular services.

An explanation provided by another contact person of the Russian consulate, Luiza, said that Russian diplomats visit Varna to provide passport services and help retired Russians. She also said that the BSP’s building is the only place this can happen for the moment.

Prior to the 2022 expulsion of Russian diplomats, for 32 years the Varna consulate used a Bulgarian state property, but for most of the time, until 2009, it had not paid any rent as there was no signed contract.

Dnevnik also reported that, according to unconfirmed information the Russian embassy has been viewing private properties in Varna, seeking to hire premises and restore its activity in the city.