A large-scale police operation was conducted in the capital in connection with the uncovering of an organized criminal group that systematically committed document-related crimes. The investigation was initiated by the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office following a report received on March 4 from the Minister of Justice.
The State Agency for National Security conducted an initial check of the Bulgarian Citizenship Directorate at the Ministry of Justice. Evidence was found of a functioning criminal scheme whose main activity is related to the illegal provision of Bulgarian passports to foreigners.
On July 2, intelligence services submitted an urgent report on the risk of destroying evidence. Joint teams from the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the State Agency for National Security were immediately mobilized.
The operational actions included large-scale searches and seizures of documents, computer data, and physical evidence. The main goal was to preserve and secure all materials that could serve as evidence in the case.
Forensic experts are conducting intensive witness interrogations and performing procedural actions while strictly adhering to legal procedures. Within the next 24 hours, the documents from the searches will be submitted for approval to the Sofia City Court.
The criminal group was active from the beginning of 2021 to June 2025, and the investigation is qualified as a crime under Article 321, Paragraph 3, in connection with Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.
The investigation continues with full intensity, with the competent authorities working to establish all circumstances and potential accomplices in the criminal scheme.