Human trafficking network disrupted on the territory of Bulgaria and Germany

With the support of Eurojust and Europol, the District and Regional Prosecutor's Office in Dobrich, together with the chief directorate for combating organised crime, the police and the Prosecutor's office of Dobrich, Bulgaria, the police and the Prosecutor's office of Heilbronn, Germany, actions have been taken against an organised crime group for trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

During a joint operation on May 4, 2023, five persons were arrested and 8 searches were carried out.

In the summer of 2022, complaints were lodged by victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Pre-trial proceedings were initiated under the direction of the District Prosecutor's Office in Dobrich. Contact was made with the German police and Prosecutor's office in the framework of international cooperation.

The investigation of the crime network in Germany started in 2022. Two organised crime groups of Bulgarian citizens have been identified, which were at enmity with each other. In the course of the investigation, evidence was gathered of holding persons in forced subjection, causing bodily harm through physical harassment, soliciting prostitution and drug trafficking (cocaine). The suspects targeted and recruited vulnerable Bulgarian women who were transported to Germany and forced into prostitution.

Following meetings held at Europol and Eurojust, the two countries coordinated to continue the investigation and uncover the criminal activities of the individuals. It was agreed to send a European Investigation Order.

During the joint operation, five searches were carried out on Bulgarian territory and one suspect was arrested. Three searches were carried out on German territory and four persons were arrested.

During the searches various items and objects were found and seized, including mobile phones, laptops, illegal poker machines, cold weapons, money and numerous gold ornaments. Identified victims of criminal activity were offered protection and assistance.

Images by Prosecutor's office