A total of 52 people were arrested by GDCOC (36) and the Sofia Directorate of Interior (16) for 24 hours under the Ministry of the Interior Act during the police operation in Sofia and the region. Charges were brought by the Sofia City and Sofia District Prosecutor’s Offices for offences including human trafficking for sexual exploitation, extortion, coercion, usury and property fraud.
According to the investigation, the group operated with a strict hierarchical structure and clearly assigned roles, using threats, physical force and psychological pressure to obtain financial gain.
Investigators are examining cases in which people were forced to give up real estate, hand over significant sums of money or take on financial obligations under sustained intimidation.
During the searches, numerous weapons and mobile phones were found, along with almost 50,000 euros in cash. The operation was presented at a briefing by GDCOC Director Chief Commissioner Martin Zlatkov, Sofia Directorate Director Chief Commissioner Nikolay Peltekov and prosecutors.
