The founder of Bulgarian carrier GP Aviation, which describes itself as a Swiss-managed airline and maintains a strong operational focus on Pristina, has reportedly been arrested in Bulgaria and extradited to Germany over allegations of unpaid air traffic taxes amounting to at least nine million euros. According to reports, the Swiss-Italian national was detained on April 15 at the Gyueshevo border crossing while attempting to enter Bulgaria from Macedonia. German authorities had reportedly issued an international arrest warrant in January. Bulgarian courts subsequently approved his extradition to Germany, with reports indicating he agreed to the transfer voluntarily.

The case reportedly relates to fifty alleged offences between January 2021 and February 2025, with German prosecutors claiming the executive failed to properly pay air traffic taxes owed in the country. Under German regulations, airlines are required to register and account for such taxes themselves, unlike in some other markets where the process is handled automatically through booking systems or third parties. The accused is presumed innocent pending further proceedings. Several sources cited in the original reports identified the individual as GP Aviation’s founder, although the airline had not publicly commented on the allegations at the time of publication. GP Aviation is based in Sofia but has built much of its business around Pristina, serving destinations in Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe, primarily catering to the Kosovar diaspora. The carrier’s fleet consists of Boeing 737-400 aircraft, alongside wet-leased capacity.