Economic crime investigations in Bulgaria

Bulgarian authorities have conducted several operations targeting different types of financial fraud.

In one instance, the Economic Crime Unit dismantled a scheme involving the resale of leased vehicles from Western Europe. Suspects allegedly acquired vehicles through leasing in Western European countries and registered them in Bulgaria to sell them at low prices via internet advertisements. The fraud was detected after lease payments ceased, causing vehicles to be flagged in the Schengen Information System. Police raids in Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, and Kardzhali resulted in the seizure of various documents and license plates.

Separately, the Varna District Prosecutor's Office charged four men with investment fraud and money laundering. Operating through call centers in Varna, Sofia, and Burgas between January 2025 and October 2026, the group allegedly targeted European Union citizens. Investigators identified over 200 bank transfers to proxy accounts, with preliminary estimates suggesting the scheme generated approximately 600,000 euros.