Prosecutors in Sofia have charged seven people with taking part in an organised criminal group. Early findings say the group imported goods from China. Four of the accused hold jobs linked to customs control, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors say the group operated for profit in the Varna, Plovdiv and Sofia regions from January 2022 to 5 November 2026. The goods were either smuggled into Bulgaria or brought in with declared values set too low, so that no duties or taxes were paid.

Prosecutors describe the group as a lasting, structured association in which three or more people commit crimes in a coordinated way. The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office says the evidence gathered so far gives grounds to charge all seven.

The investigation began in May 2026, when pre-trial proceedings were opened. The organised crime directorate GDBOP leads it, under the direction and supervision of the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office.

On 5 November, GDBOP and the State Agency for National Security (DANS) carried out a raid in Varna and Plovdiv, and 12 people were detained. The charges against the seven are part of that operation.

Six of the accused are being held for up to 72 hours. The seventh was released on bail of €20,000 because of his health.

Prosecutors will ask the Sofia City Court to place the six detained suspects in custody, the toughest preventive measure.