U.S. authorities have formally charged a Bulgarian national named Petar Mirchev for his alleged involvement in a massive international arms trafficking plot.
Petar Mirchev Arrested in Global Arms Trafficking Investigation
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Virginia made the case public and identified Mirchev as one of four individuals who tried to sell military-grade weapons to a dangerous Mexican drug cartel. The other three suspects come from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Petar Mirchev, originally from Bulgaria, was arrested in Spain in April 2025 after investigators carried out a detailed international operation. Mirchev believed he was negotiating a weapons deal with senior members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). However, he was actually speaking with undercover agents from U.S. law enforcement.
Now, U.S. authorities have officially indicted Mirchev in Virginia and plan to extradite him to the United States for prosecution. The charges have captured global attention due to the scale of the weapons involved, the number of countries linked to the case, and the direct connection to one of Mexico’s most violent drug cartels.
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Petar Mirchev Accused of Organizing €53 Million Illegal Weapons Deal
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Petar Mirchev did not participate in a small-time smuggling plan. Instead, he offered a massive package of military weapons worth approximately €53 million (about $58 million). His proposed arsenal included thousands of AK-47 assault rifles, grenade launchers, surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—commonly known as military drones.
To gain the supposed buyers’ trust, Petar Mirchev allegedly arranged a test shipment of 50 AK-47 rifles from Bulgaria. He used falsified end-user documents, which international law requires to track weapon destinations. In this case, he listed Tanzania as the final destination, even though he intended to deliver the weapons to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico.
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The CJNG, or Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, operates with extreme violence, equips itself with heavily armed security groups, and runs high-level drug trafficking operations. Above all, it is known for its military-style tactics and powerful arsenal. Experts consider it one of the most dangerous and well-funded cartels in the world. In addition, the group controls large parts of Mexico and often deploys military-grade weapons in its battles with law enforcement and rival groups. For example, reports have shown that CJNG fighters use armored vehicles, drones, and rocket launchers in combat situations.
The U.S. case files describe the weapons deal as a sophisticated and well-planned operation, involving multiple countries, false documents, and large-scale logistics. That is to say, this was not a simple arms transaction, but a complex international conspiracy. Consequently, the investigators placed Petar Mirchev at the center of the operation. In other words, they believe he played a leading role in organizing the logistics and communications behind the deal.
Alleged Cartel Connections and Current Status
While the court documents do not directly name Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, U.S. officials believe such a large-scale arms transaction would likely have required his approval. Authorities believe El Mencho leads the Jalisco cartel and recognize him as one of the most wanted men in the world. The U.S. government has offered a $10 million reward to anyone who provides information that leads to his arrest.
Undercover operatives, posing as cartel members, conducted the entire investigation into Petar Mirchev. These agents collected evidence over time, eventually leading to the arrest of Mirchev in Spain. The case now involves multiple government agencies, and authorities are continuing to examine the roles of the other three suspects from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
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Petar Mirchev is currently in custody in Spain and is awaiting formal extradition to the United States. If found guilty, he could face severe penalties under U.S. law, as the charges involve international arms trafficking, conspiracy, and falsification of documents.
This case sheds light on the dangerous world of illegal weapons trade and how global crime networks are constantly trying to get their hands on military-grade equipment. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation between countries in tracking and stopping such dangerous plots.