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International campaign launched against money laundering and cryptocurrency fraud

Photo: EPA/BGNES

Pursuant to a European Investigation Order from Germany, the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office and the police are investigating an international organized crime group for financial instrument fraud. The action has been coordinated with Eurojust and Europol, the prosecutor's office announced.

A network of cryptocurrency fraud, tax crimes and money laundering operating from Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia has been busted. The network defrauded numerous victims in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Australia and Canada out of tens of millions of euros. 

During the action in Germany, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia, 4 call centres and 18 other sites with 250 workplaces were searched, more than 250 people were questioned, more than 150 computers and numerous data carriers and currency were seized. 14 persons were detained in Serbia and one in Germany.

The Bulgarian authorities have interrogated 42 persons, of which 6 are foreign citizens. The questioning of more than 50 witnesses and checks of accounting documents continue. 33 German police officers participated in the actions in Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia.

The action in Sofia affected the crypto trading company NEXO. In the position of the company, it is emphasized that they do not develop activities in Bulgaria and that they will file a lawsuit against the authorities for breaking up their business.



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