Bulgarian authorities charge two for online extortion scheme

Two individuals have been charged with extortion following an online scheme in Bulgaria where they posed as legal professionals or credit institution employees. Between July 8 and July 15, the suspects allegedly deceived citizens into believing they had outstanding loan debts, subsequently demanding four-digit sums of money.

To exert pressure on their victims, the suspects used social media to send videos featuring various weapons and profanity, threatening the lives and physical integrity of the victims and their relatives.

One suspect, a 19-year-old, was located in the Yambol region and has been placed under house arrest. The second suspect was apprehended in Sofia following an investigation. The legal proceedings for the second individual involve a request for detention, which is subject to appeal. The crime carries potential penalties of two to eight years in prison and fines ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 euros.