Bulgarian police dismantle Western European vehicle leasing fraud

Three men, aged 62, 52, and 29, have been charged in connection with a scheme involving the resale of leased vehicles from Western Europe in Bulgaria. The operation follows a six-month investigation by the Economic Crime Unit.

According to investigators, the suspects acquired vehicles through leasing in Western European countries and successfully registered them in Bulgaria. The cars were then offered for sale at attractive prices via internet advertisements or through fictitious intermediaries. The fraud was uncovered when lease payments to foreign companies were stopped, leading the vehicles to be flagged for international search in the Schengen Information System.

Unsuspecting buyers often faced the seizure of their vehicles by police. Authorities have documented three such transactions involving vehicles valued between 10,000 and 30,000 euros. During police raids in Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, and Kardzhali, officers seized various documents, including purchase-sale agreements, powers of attorney, blank registration forms, and both Bulgarian and foreign license plates.

The Plovdiv Regional Prosecutor's Office has brought charges against the three individuals. One suspect remains in custody for up to 72 hours, while the others have been released under monetary guarantee. The investigation is ongoing to identify further victims.