Russian ship owner arrested over Beirut port blast disaster

In Bulgaria, Igor Grechushkin, a Russian ship owner linked to the disastrous Beirut port explosion of August 4, 2020, was arrested on September 6, 2025. The explosion resulted in over 220 fatalities and more than 6,500 injuries, marking it as one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history. Grechushkin's ship, the Rhosus, was responsible for transporting tons of ammonium nitrate, which was improperly stored in a warehouse in Beirut for years, leading to the catastrophic incident. Law enforcement acted upon an Interpol red notice issued in 2021 for Grechushkin, amidst an ongoing investigation into the explosion that has faced significant legal and political hurdles in Lebanon. Following his arrest at Sofia International Airport, where he arrived from Cyprus, Bulgarian authorities confirmed he did not resist capture and showed cooperation with officials during the process. He has been placed in detention for a maximum of 40 days, allowing authorities to prepare extradition documents required to move him to Lebanon for trial. This arrest is part of the continued efforts to hold those responsible for the Beirut blast accountable. Since the explosion, no high-ranking official in Lebanon has faced conviction, despite overwhelming evidence of negligence. The previous investigation had stalled amid political tensions and the influence of various factions in the country. However, recent shifts in Lebanon's political landscape may create conditions for renewed scrutiny of the case, including officials who contributed to safety lapses with regards to the hazardous materials stored in the port. The legal proceedings surrounding the blast have been contentious, with numerous public protests demanding justice and accountability for the victims. The prosecution's case involves charges against Grechushkin and others for introducing explosives into a country, alongside accusations of terrorist actions due to the extensive loss of life and significant damage to infrastructure in Beirut. The gravity of the situation continues to resonate as survivors and victims' families seek resolution and redress in the aftermath of the explosion.