News

1 May 2026

In response to the increasing number of complaints from citizens who have fallen victim to fraudulent practices when purchasing cars imported from abroad, Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has approached the Acting Minister of the Interior Emil Dechev requesting information on the measures taken to prevent and curb this harmful practice.

Reports received by the Institution highlight a systemic and recurring problem: Bulgarian citizens purchase motor vehicles that, at the time of the transaction, are properly registered and do not appear as stolen. Subsequently, however, it turns out that these same vehicles have been reported stolen in international and national databases. The result is that the Ministry of Interior seizes them, while the bona fide buyers suffer serious financial losses and severe consequences.

Data from the Ministry of the Interior reveals the scale of the problem. In 2025, 786 vehicles were identified in Bulgaria that had been reported as wanted internationally through the Schengen Information System and Interpol. The highest number of signals came from Germany (193) and the Netherlands (120), with 269 vehicles already returned to the countries that had reported them as wanted.

Since the beginning of 2026 alone, another 113 wanted vehicles have been seized, many of which were subject to lease or rental agreements.

An analysis of the cases reveals a clear and recurring pattern: cars leased or rented abroad are no longer paid for, are reported as stolen, and are subsequently sold in Bulgaria. The new owners purchase them without knowing their true origin and end up losing everything.

To protect citizens' rights, the Ombudsman recommends that people exercise caution when purchasing used cars.

Buyers should seek out established sellers with a good reputation and avoid deals at suspiciously low prices. It is essential that the actual value of the transaction be stated in the contract so that full compensation can be sought in the event of a problem.

It is necessary to conduct preliminary checks with the Ministry of Interior to determine whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, as well as to request and carefully verify all original documents of origin and registration.

It is also crucial to check the VIN number through the official dealerships of the respective brand to trace the vehicle’s history and determine whether it has been leased or rented. Particular caution is required for vehicles from Germany and the Netherlands, where the majority of such cases originate. It is also recommended not to make any advance payments before all checks have been completed.

The Ombudsman will continue to monitor the case and press for concrete and effective measures to protect bona fide buyers.