It is very likely that relatives of a missing Bulgarian businessman say he is abroad because they have been instructed to by the kidnappers.

This is the opinion of renowned Bulgarian criminal psychologist, Rosen Iordanov, who spoke to Darik radio.

Kirov's son, Ivan Kirov, stated Sunday, in a brief interview for the Bulgarian TV Channel Nova Televizia that his father called from abroad, and told his family he was there on personal matters, and was not obliged to tell them what exactly he was doing.

Kirov's daughter, on her part, has said that no one had contacted the family for ransom money.

The Bulgarian police and prosecutor's office, are, however, still investigating whether Kirov has been abducted.

Kirov, a machine engineer, owns several businesses with a reported BGN 204 M turnover in 2007. He was last seen Friday and his mobile phones have been turned off since then.

The criminal psychologist Iordanov further stated that he expected a significant increase of kidnapping cases in Bulgaria due to the perpetrators' feeling of impunity.

"The fact is that very few have been busted and sentenced for kidnapping in Bulgaria, so the kidnappings will escalate to include even individuals who are not that wealthy. The punishment provided by the law is very light anyway. You can easily get BGN 2 to 3 M as ransom, then serve 2 years in jail and continue on with your life and enjoy your money," Iordanov said.

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