Cybercrime Frauds in Bulgaria
Cybercrime frauds in Bulgaria are on the rise, with many people falling victim to schemes involving the illegal use of debit and credit cards for purchasing cryptocurrencies or online betting.
The Cybercrime in Bulgaria includes any unlawful activity carried out through or targeting information systems, causing harm to individuals or legal entities.
The Bulgarian Criminal Code outlines various offenses related to information systems and computer data, providing specific definitions under Article 93.
An information system is defined as any device or group of interconnected devices that enable automatic data processing, while
- computer data refers to any representation of facts, information, or
- concepts processed within these systems.
How to proceed in this case ???
In the context of cybercrime, a payment instrument is a tool that allows the transfer of money or monetary values, and a computer network is a collection of interconnected information systems.
Unauthorized access to information systems is one of the most severe forms of cybercrime, as outlined in Article 319a of the Criminal Code.
Penalties for this offense can include imprisonment for up to six years and fines up to three thousand leva.
If the offense is committed by multiple individuals or repeated, penalties can escalate to seven years of imprisonment and fines up to twenty thousand leva.
Another prevalent cybercrime involves the unauthorized
- addition,
- copying,
- use,
- modification, or
- deletion of computer data.
Article 319b addresses these acts, prescribing penalties of up to six years in prison and fines of up to ten thousand leva.
In instances where substantial damage or severe consequences occur, the punishment may increase to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of up to twenty thousand leva.
Cybercrime also extends to fraud involving computer systems. Article 212a Criminal Code provides for imprisonment ranging from one to six years and fines of up to six thousand leva for individuals
We are talking for persons, who, with the intent to
- gain a benefit,
- enter,
- alter,
- delete, or
- manipulate computer data or
- misuse someone else’s electronic signature.
The spread of computer viruses is another significant cybercrime outlined in Article 319 of the Criminal Code.
Disseminating a virus that causes significant harm or disrupts the functioning of information systems is punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of up to five thousand leva.
Combating cybercrime begins with reporting such offenses to the General Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime (GDBOP) or other competent authorities.
The law provides for various protections and sanctions against cybercrimes, making it crucial to seek legal assistance from a knowledgeable lawyer who can help safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process.
In Bulgaria, cybercrime encompasses a wide array of activities, including
- unauthorized access to information systems,
- tampering with or
- destroying computer data,
- committing computer fraud, and
- spreading computer viruses.
It is vital for individuals and businesses to be aware of their rights and take proactive steps to protect themselves, which includes consulting with a qualified legal professional when necessary.
