site.bta170 Pre-trial Proceedings Launched in 2025 over Hacker Attacks, Online Financial Frauds

Since the beginning of the year, 170 pre-trial proceedings have been launched for hacker attacks and financial frauds on the Internet, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said in the coastal city of Varna on Tuesday, addressing participants in an information event on the introduction of the euro. The meeting was hosted by Regional Governor Andriyana Andreeva.

The event was also attended by Deputy Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva, Deputy Labour Minister Nataliya Efremova, Bulgarian National Bank Chief Cashier Stefan Tzvetkov, Economic and Social Council Deputy Chair Migle­na Angelova, Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria President Plamen Dimitrov, and Defence Minister's Political Cabinet Head Nikolay Gotsev.

The Interior Ministry carries out constant monitoring of the Internet space, including social media and the dark web, as well as surveillance of over 40 websites, Mitov added. According to him, the goal is to identify channels for the trade in counterfeit euro and the dissemination of disinformation. He recalled that several large-scale operations had already been conducted, resulting in the seizure of over EUR 40,000 in counterfeit banknotes and numerous forged leva.

The Ministry is actively involved in information campaigns related to the introduction of the new currency in Bulgaria, Mitov further said. He noted that the focus is on ensuring people’s safety and reducing the risks of fraud and theft, especially in small settlements. More than 2,400 working meetings have already been held with employees of post offices, banks, and other financial institutions, the Minister added.

He noted that an organisational framework has been set up to ensure visible police presence when large sums of money are received at these institutions.

To protect people from fraud, 31 teams have been formed within the regional police directorates to handle incoming reports. Information materials on the topic are to be printed and distributed through the postal network. The Interior Ministry is also working actively with local authorities, Mitov added, specifying that over 5,000 meetings have been held with mayors and deputy mayors.

“The safest way for a person not to become a victim of fraud is to deposit their money in a bank account,” the Minister said, stressing that this ensures the lev will be exchanged at the exact conversion rate.