GDBOP neutralized a well-structured organized criminal group , extorted debtors through threats and violence to sell properties and repay loans granted at exorbitant interest rates.
The specialized police operation was conducted by teams of the main directorate on November 19 in Sofia, under the supervision of the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office. In the course of it, four men were detained – aged 47, 49, 50 and 54, for participating in the criminal scheme. During the search of 7 addresses and cars of the arrested persons, about BGN 100,000, mobile devices, documents for the transfer of real estate and motor vehicles and others related to the ongoing investigation were found and seized.
The group's activities were monitored for nearly a year, during which time evidence was collected about the activities being carried out. According to the victims, the leader of the criminal scheme told them that there was no one to complain to about his actions. He and the other participants in the group used threats, violence and coercion to force their debtors to pay exorbitant monthly installments at any cost, including by selling or transferring movable and immovable property.
All detainees have been charged under Art. 321 and Art. 214 of the Criminal Code and their remand has been extended to 72 hours.
Investigative actions are ongoing.