Pyramids, threats and fraudulent schemes: the version of Kalina and Kalin from BETL

Nearly 30,000 Bulgarians lost their money in the scheme, which enticed them to invest their savings in public charging stations for mobile phones. The devices were supposed to be located in China and the Bulgarians were supposed to profit from them. However, the pyramid scheme eventually collapsed, revealing that the devices never reached Asia.

Kalina and Kalin, two key figures associated with the BETL company, are in hiding due to concerns for their safety, as they are under constant threat. Despite this, they gave an interview to BNT to present their version of the events surrounding the fraudulent scheme.

Kalina Nikolova, the public face of BETL, was introduced to the company before her partner Kalin Georgiev. She learned about the business through a message, explaining that many Bulgarians had received similar notifications. She mentioned that many people were recruited directly by unidentified managers.

All communication regarding the business was conducted in Bulgarian. Kalina explained that she became a "resident manager" due to her dedication and interest in the business model. After demonstrating professionalism and a strong approach, she was appointed to this position. She mentioned that she had seen some of the charging devices, which were placed in offices. Kalin Georgiev added that it was never promised that all 30,000 investors would receive such machines.

One investor reportedly lost 20,000 BGN, claiming the scheme did not initially appear to be a pyramid.

The company had initially wanted to develop market share i.e. companies that were aware of this service.

They were told that profits would come from China, where the business was most developed, with over 500,000 devices generating revenue since the service began seven years ago.

However, due to competition and the company’s relative youth, a market study led them to focus on Europe as a better potential market. Throughout this period, Kalina and Kalin were shown many videos featuring the devices, which served as proof that it was not a fictitious business.

The managers claimed the company was based in the UK, though Kalina and Kalin said they had only met one of the managers in person. They described regular meetings twice a week, where they were trained and instilled with certain values. One meeting featured someone named Justin, who was reportedly said to be wearing a wig.

Despite these concerns, Kalina and Kalin trusted the managers because every promise had been kept, and everyone received their bonuses on time—until December 6, when they were suddenly asked to invest $99. They maintain that they have evidence against individuals now speaking out against them, stating that these people were in the same position and are equally culpable.

Kalin explained that accusations of BETL being a pyramid scheme were constant, but the company continued to develop. He noted that any company, whether or not it’s a pyramid, can eventually go bankrupt.

Kalina and Kalin emphasized that they had voluntarily approached the police and provided evidence to the General Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime (GDBOP). They continue to cooperate and provide materials to assist those who were defrauded.

Due to ongoing threats, they have followed law enforcement’s recommendations to remain in hiding and are currently outside the country.