21 arrested in a specialist operation targeting racketeering, property fraud, drug distribution

Officers from the Chief Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (CDCOC) under the leadership of the specialised Prosecutor’s Office on October 5 carried out an operation targeting a crime group involved in racketeering, property frauds and distribution of drugs.

The operation took place on the territory of four residential areas in Sofia – Abdovitsa, Hristo Botev, Vrazhdebna and Levski.

The investigation is in Roma barons who led an organized crime group for racketeering, property fraud, loan sharking, drug distribution. It is suspected that they were also involved in prostitution.

Searches were carried out in more than 20 addresses in several residential areas in Sofia.

Witnesses are interviewed.

So far, 21 people have been detained for a period of 24 hours under the Ministry of Interior Act. Three cars, a gas pistol, gold, money, documents and other evidence were seized.

Among those arrested are Roma barons Meto and Traicho, BNT sources learned.

They are also considered to allegedly be the leaders of the group.

They are known for forcing their debtors to transfer property to them. Prosecutors, investigators and anti-mafia officers of the CDCOC searched their hotel in the capital's Vrazhdebna district. According to BNT sources, drugs were found in two luxury cars "Porsche" and "Mercedes" - S class, owned by both. Specialist police officers from the Drugs Department of the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime also arrived on the scene.

The former owner of the building of Vrazhdebna Hotel, told BNT that the two had taken the building from him by fraud.

"This is my house, which was sold by a bailiff. The judge kicked me out. I had a loan from a bank, but there was a misunderstanding with the bank. I notified the Prosecutor’s Office. A check was undertaken and I am very grateful to the specialised prosecutor's office and the CDCOC, because there is no one to deal with these bandits " said Ivan Borissov.

Police have cordoned off the area where Traicho and Meto were detained. Interrogations are underway and evidence is being gathered.

After analysing the evidence gathered, the supervising prosecutors will decide which of the persons should be charged and which of them should be remanded in custody.