Bulgaria Establishes Specialized Network to Strengthen Cybercrime Investigations
Jerusalem, 23 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – A national network of prosecutors and investigators probing crimes related to intellectual property and cybercrime was established at Bulgaria’s National Investigation Service, the prosecution service said on Thursday.
The establishment ceremony was attended by acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova, former prosecutor general Borislav Sarafov, experts from the United States (US) Department of Justice and the US embassies in Sofia and Bucharest, lecturers and experts in intellectual property and cybercrime prevention, as well as representatives of state institutions and organizations.
The aim of the network is to enhance the competence and expertise of prosecutors and investigators in the field of cybercrime investigations and to meet public expectations for faster and more effective investigations.
Stefanova welcomed the participants and expressed confidence that the network would produce positive results, particularly as the model has already proven effective in combating human trafficking and terrorism financing.
Sarafov said that cybercrime is increasing by around 300% annually. This requires greater specialization and the establishment of sustainable structures capable of handling the growing volume of such crimes. He noted that the idea for creating the National Network came from prosecutor Raya Boncheva of the Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office, who serves as the prosecution service’s national contact point on intellectual property protection and computer crimes, and Svetoslav Vasilev, head of the Cybercrime Department at the National Investigation Service.
Vasilev said that the network’s goal is for them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to complete investigations into this type of crime more quickly. He thanked the US Department of Justice for its cooperation with the Bulgarian prosecution service on a number of cybercrime-related cases. “Following the shutdown of the major pirate websites, smaller sites and streaming platforms broadcasting pirated content – films and music – are next, he added.
Kristy O’Malley, Legal Advisor on computer crime and intellectual property issues at the US Department of Justice, presented the organization and structure of a similar network in the US and outlined how it could support the newly established Bulgarian network.
Matt Lamberti, Senior Counsel at the US Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, highlighted the excellent work of the National Investigation Service and the prosecution service in the investigations into the Arena and Zamunda torrent trackers.
The National Network is expected to include prosecutors from all levels – district, regional and appellate prosecutor’s offices, as well as the Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office and investigators from the Cybercrime Department at the National Investigation Service.
