Bulgarian Prosecuting Authority Presses Charges against Racketeering Group

Bulgaria's Specialized Prosecutor's Office has pressed charges against seven alleged participants in an organized crime group engaged in racketeering and an accomplice.

The six members of the crime group were arrested on Monday and one of them is currently serving a prison sentence.

The evidence gathered so far suggests that the crime group started functioning in March 2013 in the region of Yambol, Elhovo, and the surrounding villages, according to a media statement of the prosecuting authority, as cited by Sega daily.

A legally functioning company of the head of the crime group provided loans of different amounts to people in the region, mostly Roma and low-income people.

In most of the cases, the loans were not paid back on time.

After each delay, the members of the crime group were sent to coerce the debtor by threatening or putting pressure on the individual, including taking away pieces of their property.

The authorities used special surveillance equipment during the investigation.

Witnesses and people affected by the activities of the crime group were questioned in the presence of the judge.

The prosecuting authority will demand that the six suspects, who are currently at large, be remanded in custody.

The accomplice of the crime group was released on a bail of BGN 2000.