site.btaGreek National Wanted Internationally for Cigarette Smuggling Detained in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is among ten countries which, with the support of Eurojust and Europol, have busted a Polish crime group carrying out a complex scheme for cigarette production, smuggling, and distribution, the Sofia City Prosecution Office said in a press release Friday. Within the operation, a Greek national wanted internationally with a European arrest warrant issued by France, has been detained in Bulgaria.

The individual was arrested in Sofia for a total of 11 crimes committed in various places in France, Germany, and Italy between January 1, 2022 and May 30, 2023 punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He has been placed under house arrest with electronic supervision.

The crime group controlled cigarette factories across Europe and carried out its activity through many structures. In Bulgaria, the transportation of materials for cigarette production was organized.

A joint investigation team was set up at Eurojust to gather evidence. On November 19, investigative actions were undertaken in several countries, including Bulgaria, and the operation continued on November 20 in France. Fifteen persons were detained.

In Bulgaria, investigators of the Sofia City Prosecution Office assisted by officers of the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime carried out searches on November 19. They seized many documents, digital data carriers, samples of tobacco and tobacco products, a monetary sum of EUR 35,000, and other material evidence.

The international investigation involves France, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands.