Varna District Court sentences man for child pornography distribution

A 41-year-old man in Varna, Bulgaria, has received a suspended prison sentence for the distribution and possession of child pornography. The case was processed under a shortened judicial investigation procedure, resulting in a one-third reduction of the prescribed sanctions.

The court found the defendant guilty of distributing 47 video files via the Telegram application on eight separate occasions between December 27, 2023, and July 11, 2024. The materials featured individuals under the age of 18 or those appearing to be minors. Additionally, the man was found to be in possession of 2,449 photo and video files on three devices—a desktop computer, a mobile phone, and a portable memory card—at his residence on August 21, 2024.

The court imposed the heaviest penalty of two years in prison, suspended for a five-year probationary period, along with a fine of approximately 500 euros. The defendant must also cover legal costs exceeding 1,400 euros. The electronic devices used in the crimes will be confiscated by the state for destruction following the finality of the verdict. There is a 15-day window for appeal.