Ten people detained for alleged racketeering, extortion, beatings

Ten people were detained and charged with racketeering, extortion, beatings and death threats. Their victims are clients of a fast loan company. Investigators are gathering evidence that the group was also preparing to buy votes for the upcoming elections.

"The crime was committed at the time of the forcible collection of this undoubtedly due money," said the acting Head of the Specialised Prosecutor's Office, Valentina Madzharova.

"Infliction of bodily harm, extortion, coercion," said the director of the Chief Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, Lyubomir Yanev.

Low-income people and people who do not have income from a salary have been granted loans of up to BGN 1,000 against 20% interest per month, investigators said. The use of force came when, due to the high interest rate, the amount due was doubled or even tripled. All detainees were on a contract of employment or part-time contract with the company as "collectors" and have criminal records.

During searches of detainees' homes, lists with many people were found, containing all personal data, as well as the names of relatives of the company's debtors. Against some of them it was added how many votes they can provide.

"For specific individuals, we have data that they have been engaged in recruiting persons who sell their votes for a fee," said the director of the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, Lyubomir Yanev.

Victims told investigators that they received an offer to secure a vote on a list of candidates against a reduction in the accrued interest. If evidence is gathered to support these testimonies, an investigation into vote trading will be launched.