Last week, Bulgaria witnessed a significant crackdown on popular torrent sites that were found to be in violation of both Bulgarian law and international regulations, including those of the United States. Reports from bourgas.ru indicate that this operation was part of a larger international effort aimed at combating online piracy.
Details Emerge from the Operation Against Major Torrent Resources
In the days following the shutdown of three of the largest torrent sites in the country, law enforcement agencies are preparing to disclose further details regarding the measures taken. Authorities are expected to provide insights into the investigation’s progress, the coordination among various agencies, and the subsequent procedural steps that will follow.
Participants in the International Operation
The operation saw collaboration from multiple entities, including Europol, Bulgaria’s General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (ГДБОП), the State Agency for National Security (ДАНС), as well as national law enforcement bodies. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice played a crucial role in the coordinated efforts.
Seizure of Domains ArenaBG, Zamunda, and Zelka
As part of this initiative, the United States and Bulgaria jointly confiscated the domain names ArenaBG, Zamunda, and Zelka. Four individuals were detained during the operation, as confirmed by the acting Minister of Interior, Daniel Mitov. He emphasized that the actions taken by law enforcement were both targeted and systematic.
Reasons for the Operation
The measures were prompted by the illegal distribution of copyrighted materials, which included films, music, video games, software, and other forms of intellectual property that were being disseminated through these pirated online platforms.
GDBOB’s New Campaign Against Internet Piracy
During the operation, searches and seizures were conducted at 30 locations across the country. All actions were coordinated with the Bulgarian prosecutor’s office and executed in accordance with existing legal frameworks.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Currently, authorities are assessing the evidence collected and determining the next steps regarding potential criminal charges against those involved in the distribution of pirated content online. Investigative bodies are analyzing digital data and financial transactions linked to the activities of the aforementioned torrent sites.
