A sudden specialized police operation shook the Southern Black Sea coast over the weekend, targeting widespread counterfeit goods trafficking schemes. The operation, aimed at protecting intellectual property, was conducted on August 23 and 24 in several major resort complexes along the coast. The events unfolded against the backdrop of the usual summer tourist flow, causing visible curiosity among vacationers and merchants.
As a result of the large-scale actions, huge quantities of goods imitating world brands were seized. Authorities reported that tons of fake textiles, shoes, bags, and other items bearing the logos of well-known brands were confiscated. These products, often offered at significantly reduced prices, pose a serious threat both to the reputation of the original manufacturers and to economic security.
Investigation and Legal Classification
The specialized operation included searches of a total of five commercial properties and one warehouse. According to information from the investigators, all the properties are managed by a group of individuals who have clear links to one another. This suggests an organized criminal network operating in the resort areas.
A pre-trial investigation has been initiated in the case, which is being carried out under the direct supervision of the District Prosecutor's Office in Burgas. The legal classification of the act is under Article 172b of the Penal Code, which concerns the infringement of intellectual property rights. As part of the investigation, witnesses have already been questioned, and their testimonies are expected to shed additional light on the criminal activity. Expert examinations of the seized goods are also pending to determine their exact origin and value.
International Cooperation
The police operation is part of broader international efforts to combat organized crime. It was carried out within the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). This platform unites the efforts of law enforcement agencies from different European countries to effectively counter cross-border criminal networks, including those related to counterfeit goods trafficking. The success of the operation on the Southern Black Sea coast underscores the importance of international cooperation in the fight against this type of crime.