Red Web

Tsarichina Hole | What Was the Government Looking For at This Dig Site?

·1 hr 6 min·5 clips
In 1990, the Bulgarian military fenced off land in a village of 72 people and began a secret two-year dig for an unknown object.
The episode explores the Tsarichina Hole mystery from 1990 in Bulgaria. Hosts Trevor Collins and Alfredo Diaz introduce the case where the military dug secretly in a village of 72 people. Initial rumors suggested a treasure hunt for Tsar Samuel's buried wealth. The story shifts as psychics become involved, notably Elizaveta Loginova, who had visions of a 'yellow monkey' or proto-human holding secrets. Another psychic, Baba Vanga, was consulted, adding to the occult angle. Strange phenomena occurred at the site, including equipment malfunctions, radio interference, UFO lights, humming sounds, and whispers on phone lines. Soldiers reported sightings of tall monsters and small creatures. After digging about 20 feet deep, they allegedly found a tunnel system with hieroglyphs and crystallized skeletal remains. The operation, called Operation Sunray or Light Beam, cost 16 million lev (about $9.5 million) and ended abruptly after two years with the hole sealed using explosives and concrete. Theories about object number one include an ancient humanoid, extraterrestrial technology, or a missing link. Skeptical theories propose it was a paranormal hotspot, a psychological effect from rumors, or an embezzlement scam by General Menev to waste government funds. The hosts discuss Reddit threads where locals view it as an obvious scam. The episode blends true crime, paranormal, and conspiracy elements, typical of Red Web's format.

As heard by us

A Bulgarian dig site becomes a sealed government mystery, with psychics, stairs, and a murky trail of clues.

The episode centers on the Sirichina Hole, where a 1990 military convoy arrived in a tiny Bulgarian village, fenced off the land, and began digging deep into the earth.

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Why you'd press play

A fenced-off dig in a tiny Bulgarian village, and psychics saying to find the stairs.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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