Investigation | Caramalac allegedly coordinated, at the direction of the FSB, the arson of two power stations in Ukraine. The perpetrators – two gangsters from Gagauzia

Thief in law Grigore Caramalac, alias "The Bulgarian", is allegedly involved in organizing acts of sabotage against the energy infrastructure in the Odessa region, at the direction of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). According to an investigation published by the Ukrainian project KibOrg, Caramalac allegedly used people from the criminal environment of Gagauzia to set fire to two power stations in April 2024.

The attacks took place on the evening of April 13, 2024, at power stations in the city of Bolgrad and the village of Cubai, 55 minutes apart. As a result of the fires, over 14 residents in eight localities were left without electricity. Military facilities, hospitals, and water, heat, and gas supply systems were also affected.

According to the investigation materials obtained by journalists, behind the attacks was a network made up of people with connections in the Republic of Moldova and Russia.

One of the suspects is Oleg B., a 38-year-old Moldovan citizen who has lived in Ukraine for about two decades. He was detained by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on April 16, 2024, and charged with sabotage in wartime conditions. According to investigators, one of the perpetrators was to receive $2.000 for setting fire to the power stations.

Another person identified in the investigation is Vladimir Stoianov, originally from Ceadir-Lunga, who holds citizenship of the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation. In Moldovan documents, he also appears under the name Vladimir Culev.

According to the Ukrainian investigation, Stoianov was the direct organizer of the attacks and personally participated in the burning of both power stations, along with Oleg B.

On June 14, 2024, Ukrainian authorities indicted him in absentia on suspicion of organizing sabotage. Odessa courts have repeatedly authorized his detention, including in August 2026, but he has not been brought to justice. His current whereabouts are unknown.

The investigation shows that Stoianov previously appeared in criminal cases in the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Russia, being wanted for various crimes.

According to the SBU, Stoianov allegedly acted on the instructions of Grigore Caramalac, who, in turn, received the mission from the FSB.

Caramalac, originally from Taraclia, has been living in Russia for several years, where he serves as vice president of the Russian Wrestling Federation and heads a foundation dedicated to supporting sports veterans. He is also an assistant to Russian Senator Aleksandr Briksin.

In the Republic of Moldova, Caramalac was the subject of several criminal investigations, including for blackmail, criminal group activities, and attempted murder. After leaving the Republic of Moldova in 1998, he settled in Russia, where he obtained citizenship in 2008.

In 2016, Moldovan prosecutors resumed criminal proceedings against him in several cases and again announced him as an international wanted man.

In 2023, the European Union included Caramalac on its list of individuals sanctioned for his involvement in organizing sports and patriotic events in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. According to European documents, he carried out such activities through the IFAVIS foundation, with the support of the occupation authorities.

KibOrg journalists tried to obtain reactions from Grigore Caramalac and Vladimir Stoianov, but did not receive any responses until the publication of the investigation.

Meanwhile, Oleg B.'s case has been pending in an Odessa court since October 2024. He remains in pretrial detention and denies the charges against him.