FBI Seeks Information on Suspects in Bulgarian Bus Bombing
Two Suspects Wanted for Questioning in Connection with July 2012 Attack in Burgas, Bulgaria
| FBI Washington August 08, 2013 |
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking information on two suspects, Hassan El Hajj Hassan and Meliad Farah, who are wanted for questioning in connection with a bus bombing that occurred on July 18, 2012, in Burgas, Bulgaria. The FBI is assisting the Republic of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior in its investigation of this bombing.
The bus bombing occurred outside the Sarafovo Airport in Burgas, killing seven, including the bomber, and injuring 32 individuals. A Michigan driver’s license bearing the name Jacque Felipe Martin was found at the scene of the bombing and is thought to be associated with the bomber who carried out this attack. In the days following the bombing, another Michigan driver’s license and United States Social Security card, both bearing the name Ralph William Rico, were located. A subsequent investigation determined that this driver’s license and Social Security card were used by Hajj Hassan. Farah reportedly used a Michigan driver’s license bearing the name Brian Jeremiah Jameson; however, a driver’s license bearing that name was not located.
Between June 28, 2012, and July 18, 2012, Hajj Hassan and Farah were reportedly in the regions of Ruse, Varna, Nesebar, the “Sunny Beach” resort area and the village of Ravda, all of which are near Burgas, Bulgaria. It is believed both Hajj Hassan and Farah checked into hotels using their false identification. Farah also may have used the identification bearing the name Brian Jameson to rent a car in Varna, Bulgaria, in July 2012.
The United States identification used by the suspects was fraudulent; however, the FBI is investigating the creation and procurement of the driver’s licenses and Social Security card.
Hassan El Hajj Hassan has dual Lebanese and Canadian citizenship. Hajj Hassan is of Middle Eastern descent and speaks Arabic and English. Meliad Farah has used an alias of Hussein Hussein and has dual Lebanese and Australian citizenship. Farah is of Middle Eastern descent and speaks Arabic and English.
Individuals with information concerning either of these suspects are asked to contact the FBI or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. For additional information regarding Hajj Hassan and Farah, including photos, see the related Seeking Information poster.