Law enforcement uncovered an unprecedented illegal cigarette production base, located beneath a livestock farm in the village of Momkovo near Svilengrad. The investigation established a functioning network for mass production of cigarettes outside legal boundaries.
According to prosecutorial sources, the criminal factory had been operating for at least two full calendar periods. During a large-scale police operation, over 102 million cigarette products were seized, with a market value amounting to approximately 30 million leva.
The main suspects - the Perchemliev spouses, were temporarily released against a cash bail of 6,000 leva each after a court session at the Regional Court in Haskovo. The decision was made despite the initial protest from the prosecution.
Rositza Perchemlieva rejected all accusations, stating that her main activity is related to milk production and caring for over 300 cows. Her husband Dimitar added that he does not know the whereabouts of their son Nikolay, who is currently being sought in the same case.
Investigators expressed concerns about the potential influence of the accused on witnesses, emphasizing that the investigation is just entering its substantive phase. To date, only one police officer has been questioned.
The seized equipment includes specialized production machines that confirm the industrial scale of the illegal activity. Experts define this case as the largest discovered contraband cigarette factory in national criminal history.
The investigation continues in full force, with law enforcement seeking to establish the full scope of criminal activity and potential accomplices in the large-scale cigarette scheme.