Bulgarian police dismantle counterfeit goods smuggling ring

The General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) has dismantled an organized criminal group involved in smuggling counterfeit perfumes and clothing from Turkey into Bulgaria. The operation, conducted on October 20, 2026, involved searches at six locations, including warehouses, offices, and private properties.

Investigators seized approximately 5,000 items, consisting of 223 boxes of perfumes and 110 bags of imitation branded clothing, along with over 10,000 euros in cash. The group operated an online store that used images of authentic luxury products to mislead consumers, offering them at significantly lower prices to facilitate sales and evade taxes.

According to GDBOP, the group generated over 1 million euros in revenue over a two-year period. Four men, aged between 32 and 49, were detained during the operation. While none had prior criminal records, three have been formally charged. The group's activities were divided into roles including importing goods from Turkey, processing orders, managing logistics via courier services, and maintaining the website.