It is quite common view of halogen lights wiring here (Bulgaria). I have the same in my bathroom. First photo is standard transformer and second photo is a job done by some electrician not doing his job well. I do not see anything suspicious. And yes, we are EU and NATO members. Most USA citizens visiting here happily spend they time and really enjoying the visit. Without more information what was the case with Dancho Danchev (Данчо Данчев) it is nothing more then paranoia.
Have you got one of those transformers too? Is the black double insulated side supposed to be the low voltage or the high voltage side of the transformer?
