Bulgarian HFC smugglers arrested
11th June 2026
BULGARIA: Authorities in Bulgaria have arrested members of an organised criminal group accused of illegally importing and distributing HFC refrigerants, money laundering and tax crimes.
Four people, including the leader of the organisation, were arrested during the specialised operation by the Bulgarian Anti-Corruption Bureau (Gdbop). Two people were charged, one of them for money laundering in the amount of €1,548,052. Other individuals are also said to have participated in the group.
During the investigation, 10 addresses were searched, including private properties and commercial office premises. Over 1,500 bottles of various HFCs were found in a warehouse. A car, over €70,000 in cash, investment gold coins, expensive jewellery and watches, were also seized.
Part of the crimes were related to the evasion of customs duties due for the importation of the refrigerant from China. False documents were used to mask the origin, quantity and quality of the goods.
The investigation is ongoing.
