Bulgarian police dismantle €900k rent‑a‑car fraud scheme

Ten Bulgarian citizens were detained after a specialised operation by the Border Police targeted an organised rent‑a‑car fraud that caused losses of about €900,000. The police searched 14 premises across the country, seized documents, payment instruments and fifteen vehicles – seven newly‑registered cars and a motorcycle – linked to the scheme.

The criminals recruited "mules" who used their own identities to rent expensive cars in Germany, then drove the vehicles into Bulgaria without returning them. The cars were moved through border points with Romania before disappearing on Bulgarian soil. The alleged ringleader and three co‑accused have already been charged, while the investigation continues under the Montana district prosecutor to uncover the full network and the fate of the stolen cars.