Operation "Pirates 4": Millions of euros in contraband hit in Europe

Successful strike against international smuggling

As part of the international operation "Pirates 4", Bulgarian customs officers achieved significant success, seizing goods worth nearly five million euros. The operation was aimed at curbing illegal cross-border trade and protecting intellectual property rights.

"Bulgaria was a leading participant in the operation, coordinating actions with Europol and Frontex to dismantle criminal networks," noted the Customs Agency.

What was confiscated during the operation?

• Counterfeit goods: 186,858 items infringing on intellectual property.
• Illegal shipments: 165,548 packs of undeclared cigarettes, 4,000 kg of freon, and 163 kg of perfume essences.
• Precious metals and currency: 5.170 kg of gold and significant amounts in euros, British pounds, and US dollars were confiscated.

International scale of the operation

The total result of "Pirates 4" across Europe is impressive – over 1.7 million seized goods with a total value of 17.4 million euros. The action covered all critical points: ports, airports, and land borders, with a focus on breaking up customs fraud networks. Among the items seized in Europe, firearms, stolen vehicles, and even exotic animals were also discovered.