PENAL CODE
 
Prom. SG. 26/2 Apr 1968 , corr. SG. 29/12 Apr 1968 , amend. SG. 92/28 Nov 1969 , amend. SG. 26/
30 Mar 1973 , amend. SG. 27/3 Apr 1973 , amend. SG. 89/15 Nov 1974 , amend. SG. 95/12 Dec 1975 , amend
. SG. 3/11 Jan 1977 , amend. SG. 54/11 Jul 1978 , amend. SG. 89/9 Nov 1979 , amend. SG. 28/9 Apr 1982 , co
rr. SG. 31/20 Apr 1982 , amend. SG. 44/5 Jun 1984 , amend. SG. 41/28 May 1985 , amend. SG. 79/11 Oct 19
85, corr. SG. 80/15 Oct 1985 , amend. SG. 89/18 Nov 1986 , corr. SG. 90/21 Nov 1986 , amend. SG. 37/16 M
ay 1989, amend. SG. 91/24 Nov 1989 , amend. SG. 99/22 Dec 1989 , amend. SG. 10/2 Feb 1990 , amend. SG. 
31/17 Apr 1990 , amend. SG. 81/9 Oct 1990 , amend. SG. 1/4 Jan 1991 , amend. SG. 86/18 Oct 1991 , corr. S
G. 90/1 Nov 1991 , amend. SG. 105/19 Dec 1991 , suppl. SG. 54/3 Jul 1992 , amend. SG. 10/5 Feb 1993 , ame
nd. SG. 50/1 Jun 1995 , amend. SG. 97/3 Nov 1995 , amend. SG. 102/21 Nov 1995 , amend. SG. 107/17 Dec 1
996, amend. SG. 62/5 Aug 1997 , amend. SG. 85/26 Sep 1997 , amend. SG. 120/16 Dec 1997 , suppl. SG. 83/
21 Jul 1998 , amend. SG. 85/24 Jul 1998 , suppl. SG. 132/10 Nov 1998 , amend. SG. 133/11 Nov 1998 , amen
d. SG. 153/23 Dec 1998 , amend. SG. 7/26 Jan 1999 , amend. SG. 51/4 Jun 1999 , amend. SG. 81/14 Sep 199
9, amend. SG. 21/17 Mar 2000 , amend. SG. 51/23 Jun 2000 , amend. SG. 98/1 Dec 2000 , suppl. SG. 41/24 
Apr 2001, amend. SG. 101/23 Nov 2001 , amend. SG. 45/30 Apr 2002 , amend. SG. 92/27 Sep 2002 , amend. 
SG. 26/30 Mar 2004 , amend. SG. 103/23 Nov 2004 , amend. SG. 24/22 Mar 2005 , amend. SG. 43/20 May 20
05, amend. SG. 76/20 Sep 2005 , amend. SG. 86/28 Oct 2005 , amend. SG. 88/4 Nov 2005 , amend. SG. 59/21 
Jul 2006, amend. SG. 75/12 Sep 2006 , amend. SG. 102/19 Dec 2006 , amend. SG. 38/11 May 2007 , amend. 
SG. 57/13 Jul 2007 , amend. SG. 64/7 Aug 2007 , amend. SG. 85/23 Oct 2007 , amend. SG. 89/6 Nov 2007 , a
mend. SG. 94/16 Nov 2007 , amend. SG. 19/22 Feb 2008 , amend. SG. 67/29 Jul 2008 , amend. SG. 102/28 N
ov 2008, amend. SG. 12/13 Feb 2009 , amend. SG. 23/27 Mar 2009 , amend. SG. 27/10 Apr 2009 , amend. S
G. 32/28 Apr 2009 , amend. SG. 47/23 Jun 2009 , amend. SG. 80/9 Oct 2009 , amend. SG. 93/24 Nov 2009 , a
mend. SG. 102/22 Dec 2009 , amend. SG. 26/6 Apr 2010 , amend. SG. 32/27 Apr 2010 , amend. SG. 33/26 Ap
r 2011, amend. SG. 60/5 Aug 2011 , amend. SG. 19/6 Mar 2012 , amend. SG. 20/9 Mar 2012 , amend. SG. 60
/7 Aug 2012 , amend. SG. 17/21 Feb 2013 , suppl. SG. 61/9 Jul 2013 , amend. SG. 84/27 Sep 2013 , amend. S
G. 19/5 Mar 2014 , amend. SG. 53/27 Jun 2014 , amend. SG. 107/24 Dec 2014 , amend. SG. 14/20 Feb 2015 , 
amend. and suppl. SG. 24/31 Mar 2015 , suppl. SG. 41/5 Jun 2015 , amend. and suppl. SG. 74/26 Sep 2015 , 
amend. SG. 79/13 Oct 2015 , suppl. SG. 102/29 Dec 2015 , amend. SG. 32/22 Apr 2016 , suppl. SG. 47/21 Ju
n 2016, amend. SG. 83/21 Oct 2016 , amend. and suppl. SG. 95/29 Nov 2016 , amend. SG. 13/7 Feb 2017 , su
ppl. SG. 54/5 Jul 2017 , amend. SG. 85/24 Oct 2017 , amend. and suppl. SG. 101/19 Dec 2017 , amend. SG. 5
5/3 Jul 2018 , suppl. SG. 1/3 Jan 2019 , amend. and suppl. SG. 7/22 Jan 2019 , amend. and suppl. SG. 16/22 
Feb 2019, amend. and suppl. SG. 83/22 Oct 2019 , amend. SG. 13/14 Feb 2020 , amend. and suppl. SG. 23/1
4 Mar 2020 , amend. and suppl. SG. 28/24 Mar 2020 , amend. SG. 44/13 May 2020 , suppl. SG. 88/13 Oct 20
20, amend. and suppl. SG. 103/4 Dec 2020 , suppl. SG. 108/22 Dec 2020 , amend. SG. 9/2 Feb 2021 , amend. 
SG. 84/8 Oct 2021 , amend. and suppl. SG. 53/8 Jul 2022
 
Chapter one.  
OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE PENAL CODE  
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Section I.  
Objective of the Penal Code  
GENERAL  
Art. 1. (1) (Amend., SG 1/91) The Penal Code has the objective of defending against criminal encro
achment on the personality and the rights of the citizens and the entire legal order established in the country.
(2) For the purposes of achieving this objective, the Penal Code determines which publicly dangero
us acts are crime and what penalty shall be imposed on them, and establishes the cases when, instead of puni
shment, measures with social impact and educational purpose can be imposed.
 
Section II.  
Scope of the Penal Code  
Art. 2. (1) Applied for each crime shall be the law which has been in force at the time of the crime's 
perpetration.
(2) If, by the time of entry into force of the sentence, different laws have been adopted, applied shal
l be the law which is most favourable to the perpetrator.
Art. 3. (1) The Penal Code shall apply for every crime committed on the territory of the Republic of 
Bulgaria.
(2) The issue with the liability of foreigners enjoying immunity with respect to the criminal jurisdic
tion of the Republic of Bulgaria shall be resolved in accordance with the rules of international law, which ou
r country has adopted.
 
Art. 4. (1) The Penal Code shall apply for the Bulgarian citizens and for the crimes committed by th
em abroad.
(2) (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) A citizen of the Republic of Bulgaria cannot be 
delivered to other state or international court for the purposes of punitive prosecution, unless this is provided 
in international agreement, which has been ratified, promulgated and entered into force for the Republic of 
Bulgaria.
 
Art. 5. The Penal Code shall also apply for foreigners who have committed crime of general nature 
abroad, affecting the interests of the Republic of Bulgaria or of a Bulgarian citizen.
 
Art. 6. (1) The Penal Code shall also apply regarding foreigners who have committed crime abroad 
against the peace and mankind, thus affecting the interests of another country or foreign citizens.
(2) The Penal Code shall also apply for other crimes committed by foreigners abroad wherever stip
ulated by an international agreement party to which is the Republic of Bulgaria.
 
Art. 7. In the cases of art. 4 and 5, the protective custody and the sustained conviction abroad shall 
be deducted. When the two penalties are heterogeneous, the sustained conviction abroad shall be taken into 
consideration in determining the penalty by the court.
 
Art. 8. (1) (prev. text of Art. 8 – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) The verdict of a foreign court 
for a crime, for which the Bulgarian Penal Code applies, shall be taken into consideration in the cases establi
shed by an international agreement, party to which is the Republic of Bulgaria.
(2) (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) An effective sentence delivered in a in another Me
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.mber State of the European Union regarding a deed that is a crime according to the Bulgarian Penal Code sh
all be taken into account in every penal proceedings initiated against the said person in the Republic of Bulg
aria.
 
Chapter two.  
CRIME 
Section I.  
General 
Art. 9. (1) Crime is the socially dangerous act (activity or inactivity) which has been committed by 
delinquency and declared by the law as punishable.
(2) Not criminal is the act which, though formally contains the signs of a crime stipulated by the la
w, due to its minor importance is not socially dangerous or its social danger is obviously negligible.
 
Art. 10. (Amend., SG 50/95) Socially dangerous is the act which threatens or harms the personality, 
the rights of the citizens, the property, the legal order in the Republic of Bulgaria established by the Constitu
tion or other interests defended by the law.
 
Art. 11. (1) The social dangerous act shall be considered delinquent when it is deliberate or neglige
ntly.
(2) The act shall be considered deliberate if the perpetrator has been aware of its socially dangerous 
nature, has foreseen its socially dangerous consequences and has wanted or admitted the occurrence of these 
consequences.
(3) The act shall be considered negligent when the perpetrator has not foreseen the occurrence of so
cially dangerous consequences, but was obliged to and could have foreseen them, or when he/she has forese
en the occurrence of these consequences but intended to prevent them.
(4) The negligent acts are punishable only in the cases stipulated by the law.
(5) When the law qualifies the act as a more serious crime due to the occurrence of additional social
ly dangerous consequences, if no deliberation is required for these consequences, the perpetrator shall be cha
rged for the more serious crime if they have acted incautiously with regard to them.
 
Art. 12. (1) Not considered socially dangerous shall be the act of justifiable defence - in order to def
end against an immediate illegal attack state or public interests, the personality or the rights of the defender 
or of somebody else by causing damage to the aggressor within the frames of the necessary limits.
(2) Considered shall be excess of the requirements of justifiable defence when the defence obviousl
y does not correspond to the nature and the danger of the assault.
(3) (Amend., SG 62/97; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) There shall be no excess of 
the requirements of justifiable defence if the assault has been carried out through penetration by force or by 
burglary into a house.
(4) (Prev. para 3 - SG 62/97) (Amend., SG 28/82) The perpetrator shall not be punished when he co
mmits the act by exceeding the requirements of justifiable defence if this is due to scare or confusion.
 
Art. 12a. (1) (New - SG 62/97) Socially dangerous shall not be considered the causing of damages t
o a person who has committed crime during their detention for handing over to the bodies of the authority an
d prevention of the possibility of committing another crime, if there is no other way for them being detained 
and if during this detention abuse of the necessary legal measures has not been allowed.
(2) The necessary measure for detention of a person who has committed a crime shall be considered 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.abused when there is an obvious discrepancy between the nature and the degree of the social danger of the cr
ime committed by the detained person and the circumstances of the detention, as well as when obviously ex
pressive damage has been caused to the person without any necessity. In these cases, criminal liability shall 
be born only in the cases of deliberately caused damage.
 
Art. 12b. (new – SG 32/10, in force from 28.05.2010) Socially dangerous shall not be considered a
ny acts committed by persons acting as undercover officers within their competence determined in a Law.
 
Art. 13. (1) Socially dangerous is not the act committed by someone in case of paramount necessity 
- to save state or public interests, as well as his own or somebody else's personal or proprietary wealth from i
mmediate danger, which the perpetrator could not have avoided in any other way, if the damages caused by t
he act are less considerable than the prevented.
(2) No paramount necessity exists when the very avoiding of the danger represents a crime.
 
Art. 13a. (New, SG 28/82) (1) Socially dangerous is not the act committed with justifiable economi
c risk - in order to achieve a substantial socially useful result or to avoid considerable damages, if it does not 
contradict an explicit prohibition established by a normative act, corresponds to the modern scientific and te
chnical achievements and experience, does not place in danger the life and the health of somebody else and t
he perpetrator has done everything depending on him for the prevention of the occurred harmful consequenc
es.
(2) Taken into consideration, in resolving the issue whether the risk is justified, shall also be the cor
relation between the expected positive result and the possible negative consequences, as well as the probabil
ity of their occurrence.
 
Art. 14. (1) The unawareness of the actual circumstances belonging to the corpus delicti excludes th
e deliberation regarding this crime.
(2) This provision also regards the negligent acts when the very unawareness of the actual circumst
ances itself is not due to negligence.
 
Art. 15. The act shall not be considered delinquent if the perpetrator has not been obliged or could n
ot have foreseen the occurrence of the socially dangerous consequences (occasional act).
 
Art. 16. The act shall not be considered delinquent if it has been committed in fulfilment of an illegi
timate official order, given by the established order, if it does not suppose a crime obvious to the perpetrator.
 
Art. 16a. (1) (new – SG 84/13; prev. text of Art. 16a – SG 74/15) An act shall not be considered cul
pably committed where it has been committed by a person affected by human trafficking where he/she has b
een forced to do so in direct relation to his or her capacity as such.
(2) (new – SG 74/15) An act shall not be considered culpably committed where it has been committ
ed by a juvenile, who has been a victim of a crime under Art. 155, 156, 158a or Art. 188, Para 2 , or by a ju
venile used for the creation of a pornographic material, where he/she has been forced to act so in direct relati
on to his or her capacity as such.
 
Section II.  
Preparation and Attempt  
Art. 17. (1) Preparation is the provision of resources, finding accomplices and, in general, creation 
of conditions for committing the planned crime before its fulfilment.
(2) The preparation is punishable only in the cases stipulated by the law.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) The perpetrator shall not be punished when, by his own motives, he has given up the commissio
n of the crime.
 
Art. 18. (1) The attempt is the started commission of a deliberate crime whereas the act has not bee
n completed or, though completed, the social dangerous consequences of this crime stipulated by the law or 
wanted by the perpetrator have not occurred.
(2) For an attempt the perpetrator shall be punished by the penalty stipulated for the committed cri
me, taking into consideration the degree of fulfilment of the intention and the reasons for which the crime ha
s remained unfinished.
(3) The perpetrator shall not be punished for an attempt when, by his own motives:
a) he has given up to complete the commission of the crime or
b) has prevented the occurrence of the criminal consequences.
 
Art. 19. In the cases of art. 17, para 3  and art. 18, para 3 , if the act in which the preparation or the 
attempt have been expressed, contains the signs of another crime, the perpetrator shall be liable for said crim
e.
 
Section III.  
Implication  
Art. 20. (1) Accomplices in a deliberate crime are: the perpetrators, the abettors and the accessories.
(2) Perpetrator is the one who participates in the very commission of the crime.
(3) Abettor is the one who has deliberately persuaded somebody else to commit the crime.
(4) Accessory is the one who has deliberately facilitated the commission of the crime through advic
e, explanations, promise to provide assistance after the act, removal of obstacles, providing resources or in a
ny other way.
 
Art. 21. (1) All accomplices shall be punished by the penalty stipulated for the committed crime, ta
king into consideration the nature and the degree of their participation.
(2) The abettor and the accessory shall be liable only for what they have deliberately abetted or help
ed the perpetrator.
(3) When due to a certain personal quality or relation of the perpetrator the law proclaims the act as 
a crime, liable for this crime shall also be the abettor and the accessory, for whom these circumstances are n
ot present.
(4) The particular circumstances due to which the law excludes, reduces or increases the penalty for 
some of the accomplices shall not be taken into consideration regarding the rest of the accomplices with resp
ect of whom these circumstances are not present.
 
Art. 22. (1) The abettor and the accessory shall not be punished if, by their own motives, they give 
up further participation and impede the commission of the act or prevent the occurrence of the criminal cons
equences.
(2) Applied in these cases shall be the provision of art. 19 respectively.
 
Section IV.  
Multiple Crimes  
Art. 23. (1) If one act has been an instrument of several crimes or if one person has committed seve
ral individual crimes before a sentence has been enacted for any of them, the court, upon determining the pe
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.nalty for each crime individually, shall impose the most severe of them.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) The imposed penalties of public reprimand and revocat
ion of rights under art. 37, para 1, item 6, and 9  shall be added to the determined most severe penalty. If re
vocation of equal rights is ruled, the one with the longest term shall be imposed.
(3) When penalties are different in kind and one of them is a fine or confiscation, the court may add 
it entirely or partially to the most severe penalty.
 
Art. 24. When the imposed penalties are of the same kind, the court may increase the determined ag
gregate most severe penalty by no more than one half, but the thus increased penalty cannot exceed the sum 
of the individual penalties or the maximal size stipulated for the respective kind of penalty.
 
Art. 25. (1) The provisions of art. 23 and 24 shall also apply when the person is convicted by indivi
dual sentences.
(2) In these cases, if the penalty for any of the sentences has been partially or fully incurred, it shall 
be deducted if it is of the same kind as the imposed aggregate penalty to be incurred.
(3) (amend. SG 103/04) The incurred penalty probation shall be deducted in full from the imprison
ment and vice versa whereby two days of probation shall be recognized for one day of imprisonment.
(4) (New, SG 28/82) When, for one or more of the sentences, the person has been exempt from serv
ing the imposed penalty in the order of Art. 64, para 1  or Art. 66, the question of serving the aggregate pen
alty shall be decided at the time of its determination.
Art. 26. (Amend. and Suppl., SG 28/82; suppl., SG 10/93; amend., SG 50/95, SG 62/97; Amend., S
G 92/02) (1) The provisions of art. 23 - 25 shall not apply in cases of continuing crime - when two or more 
acts which represent corpus delicti of one and the same crime, having been committed during periods of tim
e of no significant length, in one and the same circumstances and with similarity of guilt, whereby the subse
quent ones are, from objective and subjective point of view, a continuation of the preceding.
(2) For continued crime, the offender shall be punished with respect to the acts included in it, taken 
in their totality and the total criminal results caused by them.
(3) Where the individual acts represent different corpus delicti the continued crime shall be punishe
d regarding the more severe of them, taking into consideration the importance of the acts committed in quali
fying circumstances and of the qualifying circumstances themselves for the entire criminal activity.
(4) Where the qualifying circumstances have no particular effect on the severity of the entire crimin
al activity, the latter shall be prosecuted by the more lenient corpus delicti, taking into consideration the qual
ifying circumstances in determining the penalty.
(5) Where some of the acts have been completed and others represent an attempt and the completed 
acts do not have a significant effect on the nature of the entire criminal activity, penalty as for an attempt sha
ll be imposed on the offender.
(6) The provisions of this Article shall not apply regarding a crime against the personality of indivi
dual citizens and for crime committed after the introduction of the bill of indictment in court, as well as for c
rime committed before the introduction of the bill of indictment, but not included in it.
 
Art. 27. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82) When a person commits a crime after being sentenced to imprison
ment with an effective sentence but before incurring this penalty, the court shall add to the penalty not serve
d the penalty under the second sentence - entirely or partially - if it is imprisonment. The determined aggreg
ate penalty cannot be less than the penalty under the second sentence.
(2) (Suppl., SG 28/82) The penalty under the second sentence shall be added in full if it is imprison
ment for more than five years or if it is imposed for a crime repeatedly committed or representing a dangero
us recidivism.
(3) When the person has committed a crime after serving the sentence under the previous convictio
n, the imposed penalty for this offence shall be served in full.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Art. 28. (1) The penalty stipulated by the special part of this Code for a repeated crime shall be imp
osed if the perpetrator has committed a crime after having been convicted with an effective sentence for anot
her such crime.
(2) This provision shall also apply with respect to equal in kind crimes against the public and perso
nal property.
 
Art. 29. (1) The more severe penalties stipulated by the special part of this Code for crimes represen
ting dangerous recidivism shall be impose when the perpetrator:
a) (amend., SG 28/82) commits the crime after having been sentenced for a serious deliberate crime 
to imprisonment for no less than one year, whose fulfilment has not been postponed according to art. 66;
b) (amend., SG 28/82) commits the crime after having been sentenced two or three times to impriso
nment for deliberate crimes of general nature if the fulfilment of the penalty for at least one of them has not 
been postponed according to art. 66;
(c) (revoked, SG 28/82)
(2) The crimes committed by the perpetrator as juvenile shall not be taken into consideration in app
lying the provisions of the preceding para.
(3) (New, SG 95/75) When there is a provision for a crime of simultaneous corpus delicti of repeate
d commission and for dangerous recidivism and the act represents the quality of the two corpus delicti the pr
ovision for the dangerous recidivism shall apply.
 
Art. 30. (1) The rules of art. 28 and 29 shall not apply if five years have elapsed from serving the s
entence under the previous convictions. The rehabilitation within this period shall not exclude their applicati
on.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) For probationary sentence and probationary release ahead of term, the period 
under para 1 shall begin on the day, on which the probation period elapses.
 
Chapter three.  
CRIMINALLY LIABLE PERSONS  
Art. 31. (1) Criminally liable is the person of age - who has accomplished 18 years of age, who in a 
state of sanity commits a crime.
(2) A juvenile who has accomplished 14 years of age but who has not accomplished 18 years of age 
shall be criminally liable if he could have realised the quality and the importance of the act and handle his co
nduct.
(3) (Amend., SG 107/96) The juveniles whose acts cannot be imputed shall be accommodated by a 
court decision in a corrective boarding school or in other suitable establishment if so required by the circums
tances of the case.
(4) The special rules stipulated by this Code shall apply with respect to criminal liability of juvenile
s.
 
Art. 32. (1) A juvenile who has not accomplished 14 years of age shall not be criminally liable.
(2) With regard to juveniles who have committed socially dangerous acts, appropriate corrective m
easures may be applied .
 
Art. 33. (1) Criminally liable shall not be the person who acts in a state of insanity, where due to a 
mental underdevelopment, or continuous or short-term mental disorder, could not have understood the qualit
y or the importance of the act or to handle their conduct.
(2) (Amend., SG 95/75) Penalty shall not be imposed to a person who has committed a crime when, 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.until the pasing of the sentence, he lapses into a mental disorder, as a result of which he cannot realise the qu
ality or the importance of his conduct or handle it. Such a person shall be subject to punishment if he recover
s.
 
Art. 34. Respective compulsory measures can apply in the cases stipulated by this Code regarding t
he persons under the preceding Art.
 
Chapter four.  
PUNISHMENT  
Section I.  
General 
Art. 35. (1) Criminal liability is personal.
(2) Punishment can be imposed only on a person who has committed a crime stipulated by law.
(3) The penalty shall be adequate to the crime.
(4) Penalty for a crime shall be imposed only by the established courts.
 
Art. 36. (1) The penalty shall be imposed with the purpose of: 1. reform the convict toward observi
ng the laws and the good morals, 2. preventive influence on him and eliminate the possibility of his commiss
ion of other crime and 3. instructive and warning effect on the other members of the society.
(2) The penalty cannot aim at causing physical suffering or humiliation of the human dignity.
(3) (New, SG 153/98) There is no death penalty in the Republic of Bulgaria.
 
Art. 37. (1) The penalties are:
1. (New, SG 50/95) life imprisonment;
1a. (Prev. item 1 - SG 50/95) imprisonment;
2. (New, SG 92/02) probation;
2a. (revoked – SG 103/04)
3. confiscation of available property;
4. fine;
5. (Revoked, SG 92/02)
6. revocation of the right to hold a particular state or public office;
7. revocation of the right to practice a particular profession or activity;
8. (Revoked, SG 92/02)
9. revocation of the right to received orders, honorary titles and insignia of honour;
10. revocation of military rank;
11. public reprimand.
(2) (Amend., SG 153/98) Life imprisonment without parole as a temporary and exceptional measur
e is provided for the most serious crimes threatening the basis of the Republic, as well as for other dangerou
s deliberate crimes.
 
Section II.  
Kinds of Penalties  
Art. 38. (Amend. and Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 153/98) (1) The life imprisonment without par
ole stipulated by the special part for a particular kind of crime shall be imposed only if the specific crime is e
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.xceptionally severe and the goals stipulated by art. 36 cannot be achieved by a lesser penalty.
(2) The life imprisonment without parole cannot be imposed on a person who, at the time of commi
tting the crime has not accomplished twenty years of age and, regarding the military men, the same as in war 
time - eighteen years of age. The penalty life imprisonment without parole cannot also be imposed on a wom
an who was pregnant at the time of commission of the crime or at the time of enacting the sentence.
 
Art. 38a. (New, SG 50/95) (1) Life imprisonment is a compulsory isolation of the convict until the 
end of their life in places to incur the penalty imprisonment.
(2) Life imprisonment shall be imposed when the committed crime is exceptionally serious.
(3) Life imprisonment can be replaced by imprisonment for a period of 30 years if the convict has i
ncurred no less than twenty years.
(4) Working days shall not be recognized during the time of incurring life imprisonment.
(5) The incurred penalty life imprisonment shall be considered imprisonment.
 
Art. 39. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82, SG 89/86) The imprisonment can be from three months to twenty 
years.
(2) (Suppl., SG 95/75; revoked, prev. para 3; amend., SG 89/86; suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/
98) As an exception, the imprisonment can be for a period of up to thirty years for replacement of life impris
onment for multiple crimes according to art. 24 and 27, para 1 , as well as for some particularly serious deli
berate crimes in the cases specially indicated in the special part of this Code.
 
Art. 40. (Amend. SG 28/82; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006, amend. – SG 32/16) Th
e penalty imprisonment shall be incurred in prisons, as well as in reformatories and prison hostels to them.
(2) (Amend., SG 89/86; Revoked, SG 92/02)
(3) Special care shall be taken for the young persons of age.
(4) (suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Respective medical care shall be taken for convic
ted with serious psychopathic disease or those suffering from mental disorder, which does not exclude sanity
, as well as with regards to sentenced persons, addicted to narcotic substances.
 
Art. 41. (1) The incurring of penalty imprisonment shall be accompanied by a suitable, respectively 
paid social useful labour, which shall aim at the reforming of the convicted, as well as the creation and impr
ovement of their professional qualification.
(2) Applied, along with that, shall be other measures of reforming and education.
(3) The expended labour shall be considered in reducing the term of punishment, as two working da
ys shall be considered as three days of imprisonment.
(4) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 89/86) If the convicted person, while incurring imprisonment, sy
stematically avoids socially useful labour, commits a deliberate crime or serious offences of the established 
order, thus showing that he cannot be reformed, the court can revoke entirely or partially the recognition of t
he working days of the last two years before the subsequent offence.
(5) (Revoked - prev. para 6 - SG 89/86) The order and the way of incurring imprisonment, includin
g the special care under para 3 of art. 40, the payment of the labour of the convicted and their employment a
fter their release shall be settled by a law.
(6) (Amend., SG 89/74; prev. para 7 - SG 89/86; amend. - SG 27/09, in force from 01.06.2009, ame
nd. - SG 13/17, in force from 07.02.2017) The initial regime of imprisonment shall be determined by the cou
rt according to the provisions of this Code and the special law.
 
Art. 42. (1) In war time the court martial can postpone, until the end of the military activities, the fu
lfilment of the imposed imprisonment, sending the convicted to the acting army. The postponement of the fu
lfilment can be revoked if the convicted commits another crime.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) Upon proposal of the chief, the court can, entirely or partially, release the convicted sent to the a
cting army by the order of para 1 from serving the imposed penalty, if he proves to be a good defender of the 
fatherland.
(3) The court may, without a proposal of the chief, exempt completely or partially, from serving the 
imposed penalty the discharged from the acting army due to disability.
 
Art. 42a. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. SG 103/04) Probation is a totality of measures for control a
nd impact without imprisonment, which are imposed together or separately.
(2) (amend. SG 103/04) The probation measures shall be:
1. obligatory registration at the present address;
2. obligatory periodical meetings with a probation employee;
3. restrictions of the free movement;
4. (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) inclusion in courses for professional qualificatio
n, programmes for public influence;
5. correctional labour;
6. gratuitous work in favour of the society.
(3) (amend. SG 103/04) The probation measures shall be with duration:
1. from 6 months to three years – for the measures of para 2, items 1 – 4;
2. from three months to two years – for the correctional labour;
3. from 100 to 300 hours for not more than three consecutive years – for the gratuitous labour in fav
our of the society.
(4) (amend. SG 103/04) The measures of para 2, items 1 and 2 shall be imposed obligatory to all se
ntenced to probation and the measures of para 2, items 5 and 6 shall not be imposed to under-aged persons, 
not rounded 16 years of age.
(5) Probation shall be carried out by an order determined by a law.
 
Art. 42b. (new – SG 103/04) (1) (suppl. - SG 27/09, in force from 01.06.2009) The probation meas
ure obligatory registration at the present address shall be appearing and signing by the sentenced before the 
probation employee or official, determined by him, according to the schedule specified by the court at least t
wice per week.
(2) The probation measure obligatory periodical meetings with the probation employee shall be con
ducted at the probation office on which territory is the present address of the sentenced. As exception they c
an be conducted at another appropriate place, determined by the probation employee, if important reasons i
mpose this. The meetings shall be planned or extraordinary upon request by the probation employee or the s
entenced.
(3) The probation measure restrictions in the free movement shall be imposition of one or several of 
the following prohibitions for:
1. visiting of places, regions and establishments, precisely defined in the sentence;
2. leaving of the settlement for more than 24 hours without permission by the probation employee o
r the prosecutor;
3. leaving of the abode inhabited for defined period of the day and night.
(4) (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The probation measure inclusion in courses for 
professional qualification, programmes for public influence shall be directed to labour integration or establis
hing of social habits and skills for lawful behaviour of the sentenced.
(5) The probation measure gratuitous work shall be work in favour of the society without restricting 
the liberty of the sentenced.
 
Art. 43. (amend. SG 103/04) (1) The probation measure corrective labour shall be fulfilled at the w
orking place of the sentenced and include deductions from his remuneration from 10 to 25 percent in favour 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.of the state. The time during which the measure is incurred shall not be considered as length of service.
(2) When the sentenced remains without work the court shall substitute the remainder of the correct
ional labour with gratuitous work in favour of the society, for one day of the remainder being defined one ho
ur gratuitous labour. In this case the term of the gratuitous labour may also be below the minimum of art. 42
a, para 3, item 3 .
(3) The provision of para 2 shall be applied even when the sentenced leaves the working place wher
e he incurs the penalty and in one-month term does not notify the probation officer about his new working pl
ace.
(4) The time during which deductions under para 1 are not paid shall not be considered as execution 
of the probation measure correctional labour.
 
Art. 43a. (new – SG 103/04) If the sentenced without valid reason does not fulfil the imposed proba
tion measure, upon proposal by the respective probation council the court can:
1. impose other probation measure;
2. (suppl. - SG 27/09, in force from 01.06.2009) substitute entirely or partially the probation with i
mprisonment where two days of probation shall be substituted by one day of imprisonment; in these cases th
e term of imprisonment can also be below the minimum of art. 39, para 1 .
 
Art. 44. (1) Confiscation in a compulsory and ex gratia requisition of a property or a part of it, of de
finite property of the convict or parts of such properties in favour of the state.
(2) (Revoked, SG 62/97)
 
Art. 45. (1) Confiscation shall not be ruled if the convict does not possess available property which 
can be subject to this penalty.
(2) Subject to confiscation shall not be the belongings for personal or home using necessary to the c
onvicted or his family, the objects necessary for practising his profession, contained in a list adopted by the 
Council of Ministers, as well as the resources for support of his family for a period of one year.
 
Art. 46. In case of confiscation the state shall be liable up to the value of the confiscated property fo
r recovery of the damages caused by the crime, and subsequently for the liabilities of the convicted occurred 
before laying the indictment when the remaining available property is not enough for the recovery of the da
mages and for payment of the liabilities.
 
Art. 47. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; Amend., SG 92/02) The fine shall be complied with the 
property status, with the income of the family and the family liabilities of the perpetrator and the provisions 
of Chapter Five  shall apply in determining its size. It cannot be less than 100 levs.
(2) The fine shall be collected from the property left of the convicted, even after his death, if the co
nviction has been enacted before that.
(3) The chattel not subject to confiscation cannot be sold for compulsory collection of the fine.
 
Art. 48. (Revoked, SG 92/02)
 
Art. 49. (1) (Amend., SG 92/02) The penalties of deprivation of rights under art. 37, para 1 item 6 
and 7, when imposed individually or together with another penalty unrelated to imprisonment, shall be ruled 
for a definite term of up to three years within the range stipulated by the special part of this Code.
(2) (Suppl. SG 54/78) When the deprivation of such a right is imposed along with imprisonment its 
term can exceed the term of the latter by no more than three years unless it is provided otherwise by the spec
ial part of this Code.
(3) The term shall begin from the enactment of the verdict but the convicted shall not be able to exe
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.rcise the rights of which he has been deprived before the expiration of the term of imprisonment.
(4) The term of deprivation of rights shall be reduced by such an extent of time by which the term o
f imprisonment has been reduced due to pardon, work or deduction of the preliminary detention.
(5) (Amend., SG 153/98) The sentenced to life imprisonment without parole shall be deprived of th
e rights indicated by the sentence forever.
 
Art. 50. (1) The penalties revocation of the right to hold a particular state or public post and revocat
ion of the right to practice a particular profession or activity shall be imposed in the cases stipulated by the l
aw if holding the respective position or practising the respective profession or activity is incompatible with t
he nature of the committed crime.
(2) (New, SG 28/82; Revoked, SG 92/02)
(3) Prev., para 2 - SG 28/82) The penalties revocation of the right of received orders, honorary titles 
and distinction and revocation of military rank can only be imposed for conviction for severe crime.
 
Art. 51. Upon expiration of the term the convicted can exercise again the rights of which he has bee
n deprived by the conviction. This does not regard the rights under art. 37, item 9 and 10  which can be acq
uired again only by the established order.
 
Art. 52. The penalty public reprimand shall consist in a public reprimand of the offender which shal
l be announced before the respective team, through the media or in other suitable way according to the instru
ctions of the sentence.
 
Art. 53. (1) Regardless of the criminal liability, seized in favour of the state shall be:
a) (suppl. – SG 7/19) the chattel belonging to the delinquent and having been intended or  used for c
ommitting a deliberate crime. When the chattel is missing or expropriated, its equivalence shall be awarded;
b) the chattel belonging to the delinquent and which have been subject to deliberate crime - in the c
ases explicitly stipulated by the special part of this Code.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) Seized in favour of the state shall also be:
a) the chattel, object or means of the crime the possession of which is prohibited, and
b) (amend. – SG 7/19) the direct and indirect proceeds acquired through the criminal offense, if it is 
not subject to return or reimbursement; where the proceeds is missing or expropriated, its equivalence shall 
be awarded.
(3) (New – SG 7/19) Within the meaning of Para. 2, letter "b":
1. direct proceeds shall be any economic advantage that has derived as an immediate consequence f
rom the criminal offense;
2. indirect proceeds shall be any economic advantage that has derived as a result from the disposal 
of the direct proceeds, as well as any property acquired as a result of direct proceeds being subsequently con
verted, fully or in part, including when that has been intermingled with property acquired from legitimate so
urces; subject to seizure shall be the property, up to the assessed value of the included direct proceeds togeth
er with the occurred increases in the assets, if directly related to the disposal or conversion of the direct proc
eeds and the inclusion thereof in the property.
 
Chapter five.  
DETERMINATION OF THE PENALTY  
Art. 54. (1) The court shall determine the penalty within the scope stipulated by the law for the com
mitted crime, guided by the provisions of the general part of this Code and taking into consideration:
the degree of the social danger from the act of the perpetrator,
the motives of the act and the other extenuating and aggravating circumstances.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) The mitigating circumstances shall substantiate the imposition of a more lenient and the aggrava
ting - of a more severe penalty.
 
Art. 55. (1) For exceptional or multiple extenuating circumstances, when even the most lenient pen
alty stipulated by the law proves to be unduly severe, the court shall:
1. determine the penalty under the lowest limit;
2. replace:
a) (amend., SG 153/98) the life imprisonment by imprisonment from fifteen to twenty years;
b) (amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97; Suppl., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) the imprisonme
nt, when the lowest limit is not provided - by probation, and for the juveniles - by probation or public reprim
and;
c) (amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97, amend. SG 103/04) the probation - by a fine of one hun
dred to five hundred levs.
(2) In the cases under item 1 of the preceding para, when the penalty is a fine, the court can go belo
w the lowest limit by no more than one second.
(3) In these cases the court may not impose the more lenient penalty stipulated by the law along wit
h the imprisonment penalty.
(4) (Revoked, SG 28/82)
 
Art. 56. Extenuating and aggravating circumstances shall not be those which are taken into consider
ation by the law in defining the respective crime.
 
Art. 57. (1) When the special part of this Code stipulates the option for a committed crime to be im
posed one among two or more penalties, the court shall determine the most suitable in kind and size penalty, 
guided by the rules of the preceding articles.
(2) When the special part of this Code stipulates the option for a given crime to be imposed simulta
neously two or more penalties, the court, guided by the rules of the preceding articles, shall determine the siz
e of each of them in such a way that they, in their totality, should correspond to the objective under art. 36.
 
Art. 58. The court can apply the provisions of art. 55 in the following cases:
a) for an attempt - due to unfinished crime, considering the circumstances under art. 18, para 2 ;
b) for aiding - when the degree of participation of the perpetrator in the crime is small.
 
Art. 58a. (new - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10) (1) If a guilty verdict has been pronounced in the ca
ses referred to in Art. 373, para 2  of the Penal procedure Code, the court shall rule imprisonment according 
to the provisions of the General part of the present Code and reduced the imposed penalty by one third.
(2) In the cases referred to in Art. 57, para 1 , where the court considers that life imprisonment with
out parole is the type of penalty that corresponds best to the committed crime, it shall not impose it, but repl
ace it with imprisonment from twenty to thirty years.
(3) The court shall determine the amount of the imprisonment penalty within the frames of the lowe
st possible and the highest possible extent of the imprisonment penalty, fixed under the terms of para 2 and t
he one set out in the Special Provision  of this Code.
(4) In those cases where the requirements under paras 1 through 3 and the terms of Art. 55 are both 
present, the court shall apply only Art. 55 if it is more favourable for the perpetrator.
(5) The rules set out in paras 1 through 4 shall not apply to the penalties as per Art. 37, para 1, ite
ms 2 through 11  set out in the Special Provision of this Code.
 
Art. 59. (1) (Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04; amend. - SG 27/09) The time during which the 
convicted has been detained or placed under home arrest shall be deducted in fulfilment of the imprisonment 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.or probation as follows:
1. one day detention shall be equal to one day of imprisonment or to three days of probation;
2. two days of home arrest shall be equal to one day of imprisonment or to two days of probation.
(2) (new - SG 27/09) Detention in the sense of Para 1 shall mean, besides the detention as enforcem
ent measure, also any other detention under the order of the Penal Procedure Code , the Ministry of Interio
r Act or another Act, related to a crime, for which the person was convicted or has been detained for executi
on of the penalty.
(3) (New, SG 28/82; prev. text of Para 02 - SG 27/09) The provision of the preceding para shall als
o apply if the convicted has been detained for charges of other crime the proceedings of which have been sus
pended or has ended by a verdict of acquittal if the provision of art. 23, para 1  could be applied regarding t
he acts.
(4) (New, SG 28/82, amend. SG 103/04; prev. text of Para 03 - SG 27/09; suppl. - SG 95/16) Deduc
ted in fulfilment of the deprivation of rights penalty under art. 37, para 1, items 6 and 7  shall be the time d
uring which the convicted has been deprived for the same act, by an administrative order or as set out in Art
. 69a of the Penal Procedure Code, of the possibility of exercising these rights.
 
Chapter six.  
SPECIAL RULES FOR JUVENILES  
Art. 60. The penalty for juveniles shall be imposed with the priority objective of their reformation a
nd preparation for socially useful labour.
 
Art. 61. (1) (Amend., SG 89/86; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Regarding a juvenil
e who commits a crime due to aberration or frivolity, which does not represent a great social danger, the pro
secutor may decide not to constitute or discontinue the constituted pre-trial procedure, and the court may dec
ide on no committal to trial or no conviction if corrective measures can be successfully applied according to 
the Measures against Delinquency of Minors and Juveniles Act .
(2) In these cases the court itself can impose a corrective measure informing about that the local co
mmission for juvenile delinquency or send to it the file regarding the imposing of such a measure.
(3) (Amend., SG 89/86; SG 107/96; amend., SG 26/04; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.20
06) If the prosecutor decides not to constitute pre-trial procedure or abandon the constituted one, he shall sen
d the file to the commission for imposing corrective measure.
 
Art. 62. Only the following penalties can be imposed on juveniles:
1. imprisonment;
1a. (New, SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) probation;
2. public reprimand;
3. (amend. SG 103/04) deprivation of right to practice a particular profession or activity according t
o art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
 
Art. 63. (1) The penalties stipulated for juveniles by the special part of this Code shall be replaced:
1. (suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) the life imprisonment without parole and the life impriso
nment - by imprisonment from three to ten years;
2. the imprisonment of more than ten years - by imprisonment of up to five years;
3. the imprisonment of more than five years - by imprisonment of up to three years;
4. the imprisonment of up to five years including - by imprisonment of up to two years, but no long
er than the stipulated by the law;
5. (Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) the fine - 
by a public reprimand;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.6. (New, SG 92/02) the probation for those under 16 years of age - by a public reprimand.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82) Penalties stipulated by the special part of this Code for the juveniles who h
ave accomplished sixteen years of age shall be replaced:
1. (suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) the life imprisonment without parole and the life impriso
nment and imprisonment of more than fifteen years - by imprisonment from five to twelve years;
2. the imprisonment of more than ten years - by imprisonment of two to eight years.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82) Within the limits under the preceding paras, the court shall determine the p
enalty according to the rules of Chapter Five.
 
Art. 64. (1) (Amend., SG 107/96) When the determined penalty is imprisonment of less than one ye
ar and its fulfilment has not been postponed under Art. 66, the juvenile shall be exempt from its incurring an
d the court shall accommodate him/her in a corrective boarding school or shall impose another corrective me
asure stipulated by the Measures Against Delinquency of Minors and Juveniles Act .
(2) (Amend., SG 107/96) Upon a proposal of the prosecutor or of the respective local commission f
or fighting juvenile delinquency the court can, after rendering the verdict, replace the accommodation in a c
orrective school by another corrective measure.
(3) The rule of para 1 shall not apply: a) when the juvenile has committed a crime during the time o
f serving imprisonment sentence and b) when he is convicted after coming of age.
(4) The rule of para 1 shall also not apply in the cases of repeated conviction if the court finds that t
he reformation and correction of the perpetrator require imprisonment and when: a) its term is not shorter th
an six months or b) if the perpetrator has already served time of imprisonment.
 
Art. 65. (1) The juveniles, until coming of age, shall serve the time of imprisonment in a corrective 
home.
(2) (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) After coming of age they shall be moved to a pr
ison or to a prison hostel. For completion of their education or qualification, upon proposal of the pedagogic
al council, by a permit of the prosecutor, they can remain in the corrective house until the accomplishment o
f twenty years.
 
Chapter seven.  
EXEMPTION FROM SERVING IMPOSED PENALTY  
Section I.  
Probationary Sentence  
Art. 66. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; corr. SG 31/82; Amend., SG 92/02) When the court imposes an im
prisonment penalty of up to three years, it can postpone the imposed penalty for a period from three to five y
ears if the person has not been convicted for imprisonment for a crime of general nature, and if the court find
s that for the purpose of the penalty and most of all for the reformation of the convicted, it is not necessary t
o serve the sentence.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02) The probation term cannot exceed the term of the imposed imprisonment p
enalty by more than three years.
(3) (Revoked, SG 92/02)
(4) (New, SG 28/82; suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) During the probation period the 
convicted shall be obliged to study or work, unless he/she is obliged to undergo treatment.
 
Art. 67. (1) In case of postponement of the fulfilment of the penalty, the court can assign to the resp
ective public organisation or a work team, upon their consent, corrective care for the convicted during the pr
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.obation period.
(2) If there is no such consent, or when the court finds it necessary, it shall assign to a definite perso
n the corrective care for the probationary convicted. If the probationary convicted has a place of residence in 
another populated area this person shall be determined by the respective regional court.
(3) (New, SG 92/02; amend. - SG 27/09) When the imposed penalty of imprisonment is for no less 
than 6 months, the court can rule one of the probation measures under Art. 42a, Para 2, Items 1 - 4  for the 
probation period.
(4) (Prev. para 3 - SG 92/02) For postponement of the penalty for a juvenile, the court shall inform 
the respective local commission which shall organise the corrective care.
(4) (New, SG 28/82; Revoked, SG 92/02)
(5) (Amend., SG 95/75; prev. para 4 - SG 28/82) The general control over the corrective care and th
e conduct of the probationary convicted shall be exercised by the regional court at the place of residence.
(6) (Prev. para 5 - SG28/82) The order and the way of applying the provisions of the preceding para
s shall be settled by a law.
 
Art. 68. (1) If, until the expiration of the period of probation, the convicted commits another deliber
ate crime of general nature for which, though after this period, a penalty of imprisonment is imposed, he shal
l also serve the postponed sentence.
(2) If under par а. 1 the convicted commits a crime by negligence, the court may rule the postponed 
penalty be incurred in part or fully, or not be incurred at all.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82; Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) If the probationer does not fulfil wi
thout valid reason some of the probation measures, determined for him by the order of Art. 67, para 3 , the c
ourt may, upon proposal by the probation council, substitute it with another or rule to incur entirely or partia
lly the postponed penalty imprisonment.
(4) (new - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the probationer stops the treatment without reaso
nable grounds, the court shall rule to incur entirely the postponed penalty imprisonment.
(5) (Amend., SG 28/82; prev. text of para 4 - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases, oth
er than those under the preceding paras, the postponed penalty shall not be incurred.
 
Art. 69. (1) Regarding a person who has been given a probationary sentence for a crime he has com
mitted as a juvenile, the probation period shall be from one to three years.
(2) Regarding such a person, in the cases under para 1 of the preceding Art., it can be ruled that the
y be exempt, partially or entirely, from serving the sentence whose fulfilment has been postponed.
 
Art. 69a. (New, SG 28/82, amend. SG 103/04; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In th
e cases under art. 68, para 2, 3 and 5  and art. 69, para 2  if the convicted commits a new indictable offence 
within the probation period, for which he has been sentenced to imprisonment, or he continues not to fulfil 
without valid reason some of the probation measures, determined for him by the order of art. 67, para 3 , he 
shall serve the remaining part of the sentence.
 
Section II.  
Release Ahead of Term  
Art. 70. (1) (Amend., SG 153/98, amend. SG 103/04; amend. - SG 27/09, amend. - SG 13/17, in for
ce from 07.02.2017) The court can rule a probationary release ahead of term for the remaining part of the im
prisonment penalty regarding a convicted who has proven his reformation and has actually served:
1. no less than half of the imposed penalty;
2. no less than two thirds of the imposed penalty in cases of dangerous recidivism.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) (Amend. SG 92/02, revoked - SG 13/17, in force from 07.02.2017)
(3) (revoked - SG 13/17, in force from 07.02.2017)
(4) (Amend., SG 92/02) The probationary release ahead of term shall also regard the term of the de
privation of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(5) (Amend., SG 92/02) In case of a probationary release ahead of term the court can release the co
nvicted from the imposed sentence of deprivation of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 or 7 .
(6) (Suppl., SG 28/82; Suppl., SG 92/02, suppl. SG 103/04; amend. - SG 27/09, amend. - SG 13/17, 
in force from 07.02.2017) Ruled, in case of a probationary release ahead of term of the convicted, shall be a 
probation period for the period of the part of the penalty which has not been served. During the probation pe
riod but no more than three years, for which time the court can rule one of the probation measures under Art
. 42a, Para 2, Items 1 - 4  taking into consideration report by the probation employee.
(7) (Suppl., SG 92/02) The released ahead of term shall also serve separately the remaining part of t
he penalty if, within the probation period, he commits a new deliberate crime provided for which is imprison
ment or does not fulfil the ruled probation. If, within this period, the released ahead of term commits a negli
gent crime, the court can rule not serving of the imposed penalty or its serving entirely or partially.
(8) (Corr., SG 29/68) In the cases of the preceding paragraph, the convicted shall incur in full the pe
nalty from which he has been released according to para 5 of this Article.
(9) The term of rehabilitation under art. 86 in the case of the probationary release ahead of term sha
ll begin at the moment of expiration of the probation term.
 
Art. 71. (1) The court can release ahead of term the convicted to imprisonment juvenile if he has co
rrected himself, after having actually served no less than one third of the imposed penalty.
(2) Regarding a person convicted for a crime he has committed as a juvenile the provisions of art. 7
0 shall apply upon coming of age regarding the release ahead of term.
 
Art. 72. (Revoked, SG 92/02)
 
Art. 73. (1) (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Regarding the persons released ahead o
f term the court shall assign the organising of the supervision and the corrective care for them during the pro
bationary term to the respective commission, and for the juveniles - to the local commission for fighting juv
enile crime.
(2) Where necessary the court shall assign the supervision and the corrective care to a definite publi
c organisation upon its consent, or to a definite person, informing about that the supervisory or local commis
sion.
(3) The total control and the management of the corrective care and of the conduct of the released a
head of term shall be carried out by the regional court at the place of their residence.
(4) The order and the way of applying the provisions of the preceding paras shall be settled by a la
w.
 
Section III.  
Pardon 
Art. 74. (suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The President can, by an act of pardon, remi
t entirely or partially the imposed penalty, and remit or replace the death penalty, the life imprisonment with
out parole and the life imprisonment.
 
Chapter eight.  
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.EXEMPTION FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY  
Section I.  
Probationary exemption from criminal liability with public bail delivery (Revoked, SG 62/97)  
Art. 75. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked, SG 62/97)
 
Art. 76. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked, SG 62/97)
 
Section II.  
Exemption from criminal liability by imposing measures for social impact by the fellow citizen's court 
(Revoked, SG 105/91)  
Art. 77. (Revoked, SG 105/91)
 
Section III.  
Exemption from criminal liability of juveniles by applying corrective measures  
Art. 78. In the cases of art. 61, the juvenile can be exempt from criminal liability by applying the re
spective corrective measure.
 
Section IV.  
Exemption from criminal liability (New, SG 28/82)  
Art. 78a. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93, SG 62/97; SG 21/00; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.20
06; amend. – SG 26/10) A person of age shall be exempt from criminal liability by the court and a penalty s
hall be imposed from one thousand to five thousand levs, when the following conditions are simultaneously 
present:
a) (amend., SG 86/05, in force from 29.04.2006) stipulated for the crime is imprisonment of up to t
hree years or another more lenient penalty when it is deliberate, or imprisonment of up to five years or other 
more lenient penalty if it is negligent;
b) the perpetrator has not been convicted for a crime of general nature and has not been exempt fro
m criminal liability by the order of this Section;
c) the proprietary damages caused by the crime have been restored.
(2) (Revoked - SG 21/00)
(3) Revoked (SG 32/00)
(4) The court imposing the fine under para 1 can also impose an administrative penalty of deprivati
on of the right to practice a particular profession or activity for a period of up to three years, if deprivation of 
such right is stipulated for the respective crime.
(5) When only a fine or a fine and another more lenient penalty are stipulated, the administrative pe
nalty cannot exceed the size of this fine.
(6) (new – SG 26/10) In those cases where the grounds under para 1 are present and the deed has be
en committed by an underage person, the court shall exempt him/her from criminal liability by imposing pub
lic reprimand or corrective measure as administrative penalty. The court may also impose as an administrati
ve penalty the deprivation of the right to practice certain profession or activity for a period of up to three yea
rs, if deprivation of the said right is provided for the respective crime.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(7) (new – SG 86/05, in force form 29.04.2006; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; sup
pl. - SG 27/09; prev. text of para 6 – SG 26/10; amend. - SG 95/16; suppl. - SG 54/17) Paragraphs 1 – 6 shal
l not apply, if the harm inflicted is a serious bodily harm or death, or if the perpetrator has been intoxicated o
r having used narcotic substances or analogues thereof , as well as in case of multiple crimes, and also when t
he crime was committed to a body of authority during or in relation to the performance of his duties.
 
Section V.  
Determination of the type of exemption from criminal liability (New, SG 28/82; revoked, SG 62/97)  
Art. 78b. (Revoked SG 62/97)
 
Chapter nine.  
ACQUITTAL OF THE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND OF THE IMPOSED PENALTY  
Art. 79. (1) The criminal prosecution and the fulfilment of the penalty shall be excluded:
1. when the perpetrator dies;
2. due to running of the statute of limitations;
3. for subsequent pardon.
(2) (amend. – SG 74/15 (*)) Not excluded by prescription shall be the criminal prosecution and the 
fulfilment of the penalty regarding:
1. crimes against the peace and the mankind;
2. (declared unconstitutional by a Decision of the Constitutional Court № 12 of 2016 - SG 83 of 
2016) severe crimes under Chapter Two, Section I, Section II, Section IV and Section V; Chapter Three, Se
ction I, Section II and Section III; Chapter Eleven, Section III of the Special Part of the Penal Code, committ
ed between 9 September 1944 and 10 November 1989 by members of the higher bodies of the Bulgarian Co
mmunist Party and by third parties who have been assigned leadership positions or party functions.
 
Art. 80. (1) The criminal prosecution shall run the statute of limitations when it has not been institut
ed for a period of:
1. (amend., SG 31/90; SG 153/98) twenty years for acts punishable by life imprisonment without pa
role, life imprisonment, and thirty five years for murder of two or more persons;
2. fifteen years for acts punishable by imprisonment of more than ten years;
3. ten years for acts punishable by imprisonment of more than three years;
4. (amend., SG 62/97) five years for an act punishable by imprisonment of more than one year, and
5. (amend. – SG 26/10) three years for all remaining cases.
(2) The terms of limitation under the preceding para for crimes committed by juveniles shall be det
ermined upon considering the replacement of the penalties under art. 63.
(3) The prosecution limitations shall begin from the completion of the crime, for attempt and prepar
ation - from the day when the last act is committed, and for permanent crimes, as well as for continued crim
es - from their termination.
 
Art. 81. (1) The prescription shall expire when the beginning or the extension of the criminal prosec
ution depends on the solution of a preliminary issue by an enforced act of court.
(2) The prescription term shall be terminated by any act of the respective bodies undertaken for the 
purposes of the prosecution, only against the person against whom the prosecution is instituted. Upon conclu
sion of the act by which the prescription has been terminated a new term of prescription shall begin.
(3) Regardless of the termination or suspension of the term of prescription the criminal prosecution 
shall be excluded if a term has expired exceeding by one second the term stipulated by the preceding Art.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Art. 82. (1) The imposed penalty shall not be effected upon elapsed:
1. (amend., SG 153/98) twenty years if the penalty is life imprisonment without parole or life impri
sonment;
2. fifteen years if the penalty is imprisonment of more than ten years;
3. ten years if the penalty is imprisonment from three to ten years;
4. five years if the penalty is imprisonment of less than three years, and
5. two years for all remaining cases.
(2) The prescription for effecting the penalty shall begin on the day of enactment of the sentence, a
nd regarding the penalty, whose effecting has been postponed according to art. 66 - from the enactment of t
he sentence or definition according to art. 68.
(3) The prescription shall be terminated by any act of the respective bodies undertaken regarding th
e convicted for fulfilment of the verdict. Upon conclusion of the act terminating the prescription a new presc
ription shall begin.
(4) Regardless of the suspension or termination of the prescription, the penalty shall not be effected 
if a term has expired exceeding by one second the term under para 1.
(5) (New, SG 28/82) The provision of the preceding para shall not apply regarding the fine when ex
ecutory proceedings have been instituted for its collection.
 
Art. 83. The amnesty shall delete the criminal nature of a definite kind of acts or shall exempt from 
criminal liability and from the consequences from the conviction for certain crimes.
 
Art. 84. (1) For crimes prosecuted pursuant to a complaint of the aggrieved criminal prosecution sh
all not be instituted even if the prescription has not expired, if a complaint is not filed within six months fro
m the day when the aggrieved learned that the crime has been committed.
(2) If the aggrieved dies before the expiration of this term, the complaint can be filed by their heirs 
before its expiration.
(3) The penalty shall not be effected for these crimes if the claimant has so requested before the beg
inning of its fulfilment.
 
Chapter ten.  
REHABILITATION  
Art. 85. (1) The rehabilitation shall obliterate the conviction and shall repeal future consequences w
hich are related by the law to the conviction itself, unless established otherwise by a law or an edict in certai
n respect.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) The provision of the preceding para shall not apply regarding the convicted fo
r crime against the peace and the mankind.
 
Art. 86. (1) The rehabilitation shall take place by right in the following cases:
1. when the person has been released on probation, if within the probation term he has not committ
ed another crime for which reason he has to incur the postponed penalty;
2. (Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) if the person is sentenced to imprisonment of up to three 
years or to probation, if in the course of three years from the expiration of the term of the penalty imposed b
y the sentence or reduced by work or pardon he has not committed another crime punishable by imprisonme
nt or by a more severe penalty;
3. when a person is sentenced jointly or individually to a fine, public reprimand or deprivation of ri
ghts, if within the course of one year from fulfilment of the penalty he has not committed another crime of g
eneral nature, and
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.4. when a person has been convicted as juvenile, if within the course of two years from incurring th
e penalty he has not committed another crime of general nature for which imprisonment has been imposed o
n him.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82) The rehabilitation by right shall not occur for a crime committed by a pers
on of age who has once been rehabilitated.
 
Art. 87. (1) In cases other than those under the preceding Art. every convicted can be rehabilitated 
by the court which has ruled the verdict as first instance if within the course of three years from the expiratio
n of the term of the penalty imposed by the sentence or reduced by work or pardon he has not committed an
other crime punishable by imprisonment or by a more severe penalty:
1. if he has had a good conduct and
2. if he has restored the damages caused by a deliberate crime.
(2) The court can also rehabilitate the convicted without his restoring the caused damages if there ar
e valid reasons for that.
(3) (Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) If, along with the penalty of imprisonment a penalty of 
deprivation of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7  or probation have been imposed, the term of 
this penalty must have expired in order to rule rehabilitation. If a fine is imposed, it must have been paid.
 
Art. 88. Rehabilitation can also be requested by the heirs of the convicted after his death if he has b
een entitled.
 
Art. 88a. (New, SG 28/82) (1) (Suppl., SG 89/86) When a term has expired, after the serving of the 
sentence, equal to the one under art. 82, para 1  and the convicted has not committed a new deliberate crime 
of general nature for which a penalty of imprisonment is stipulated the conviction and its consequences shall 
be obliterated regardless of the stipulated by another law or an edict.
(2) When the imposed penalty of imprisonment is longer than one year and the person has not been 
exempt from serving it pursuant to art. 66, the term under para 1 cannot be less than ten years.
(3) In case of a release on probation and release on licence the term under para 1 shall begin on the 
day of expiration of the probation term.
(4) (New, SG 89/86) If a person has committed two or more crimes for which he has not been rehab
ilitated the sentence and its consequences shall be obliterated upon the expiration of the terms stipulated by t
he preceding paras for all convictions.
(5) (Prev., para 4 - SG 89/86) The provisions of the preceding paras shall not apply regarding the co
nvicted for serious crimes against the republic and for crimes against the peace and the mankind.
 
Chapter eleven.  
MANDATORY MEDICAL MEASURES  
Art. 89. Regarding a person who has committed a socially dangerous act in a state of insanity or wh
o has lapsed into such a state before the ruling of the verdict or during the serving of the sentence the court c
an rule:
a) delivery to the next of kin if they undertake an obligation for his treatment under the supervision 
of a psycho-neurological dispensary;
b) mandatory treatment in a general psycho-neurological establishment;
c) mandatory treatment in a special psychiatric hospital or in a special ward of a general psycho-ne
urological establishment.
 
Art. 90. (1) The mandatory treatment in a general psycho-neurological establishment can be ruled b
y the court regarding a mentally ill who, in view of his psychic status and of the nature of the committed soc
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.ially dangerous act, needs care and treatment by mandatory order.
(2) The mandatory treatment in a special psychiatric hospital or in a special ward can be ruled by th
e court regarding a mentally ill person who, in view of his psychic status and the nature of the committed so
cially dangerous act is particularly dangerous for the society or for his next of kin. In these cases the person 
shall be kept under doubled supervision excluding the possibility for him to commit a new socially dangerou
s act.
 
Art. 91. (1) The termination or the change of the ruled medical mandatory measure shall be done by 
the court when this is required by the occurred change of the status of the sick person or by the needs of his t
reatment.
(2) In all cases, upon expiration of a six-month period from the admission in the medical establishm
ent the court shall rule for termination, continuation or replacement of the mandatory treatment.
 
Art. 92. (1) If the crime is committed by a person who suffers from alcoholism or from other addict
ion, the court can, along with the penalty, rule mandatory treatment as well.
(2) When a penalty is imposed without imprisonment, the mandatory treatment shall be carried out 
in medical establishments with special treatment and working regime.
(3) The mandatory treatment of the sentenced to imprisonment shall be carried out during the servi
ng of the sentence. The term of the mandatory treatment shall be deducted from the term of imprisonment.
(4) Where necessary, the court can rule the continuation of the treatment after the release of the con
victed from the place of imprisonment - in the medical establishment specified in para 2.
(5) The mandatory treatment shall be terminated by the court if its continuation is no longer necessa
ry.
 
Additional provisions  
Explanation of some words  
Art. 93. The words and expressions below have been used in this Code in the following context:
1. "Official" is a person to whom it is assigned to fulfil against remuneration or free of charge, temp
orarily or permanently:
a) a job in a state establishment, with exception of those carrying out activity of material performan
ce;
b) (amend., SG 10/93; suppl., SG 62/97, Amend. SG 43/05, in Force from 1st of September 2005; a
mend. – SG 64/07; amend. – SG 26/10) managerial job or a job related to keeping or management of another
's property in a state enterprise, cooperation, public organisation, other corporate body or with a sole entrepr
eneur, as well as of a public notary and assistant public notary, private bailiff and deputy private bailiff;
2. (Amend., SG 92/02) "Body of authority" are the bodies of the state authority, the bodies of the st
ate government, the bodies of the judiciary authority, as well as their employees, in charge of exercising po
wer of authority;
3. "Representative of the public" is a person appointed by a public organisation to carry out, by virt
ue of the law or other normative act, a definite function.
4. (Suppl. SG 51/00) "Public property" is the property of the state, of the municipalities, of the coop
erations, of the public organisations and of the other corporate bodies in which they participate;
5. "Official document" is the one issued by the established order and in a form by an official within 
the scope of his duties, or by a representative of the public within the scope of the assigned function;
6. "Not genuine document" is the one to which an appearance has been attached representing it as a 
concrete written statement of another person and not the one who has actually worked it out;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.7. (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) "Severe crime" is a crime for which the law stipulates a p
enalty of imprisonment of more than five years, life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole;
8. "Particularly serious case" is the one where the committed crime, in view of the occurred harmfu
l consequences and of other aggravating circumstances, represents an exceptionally high degree of social da
nger of the act and the perpetrator;
9. "Minor fact" is the one where the committed crime, in view of the lack or insignificance of the ha
rmful consequences, or in view of other attenuating circumstances represents a lower level of social danger a
s compared with the common cases of crime of the respective kind;
10. "Next of kin" are the spouses, the ascending, descending (including adopted, step children), the 
brothers, sisters and their spouses, the lateral branch of the family up to IV degree;
11. "War-time" is the time from declaring war or from the actual starting of military activities until 
the declaring of their ceasing;
12. (New, SG 28/82) the crime has been committed "by two or more persons" when at least two par
sons have participated in the fulfilment itself;
13. (New, SG 28/82) using international protection shall be the persons for whom such protection is 
stipulated by an international agreement party to which is the Republic of Bulgaria;
14. (New, SG 62/97; amend., SG 21/00) "Taxes large in size" are those exceeding three thousand le
vs, and "taxes particularly large in size" are those exceeding twelve thousand levs;
15. (New, SG 7/99) "Foreign official" is the one who carries out:
a) a job in an establishment of a foreign country;
b) functions assigned by a foreign country, including by a foreign state enterprise or organisation;
c) (Suppl., SG 92/02) job or commission assigned by an international organisation, as well as a posi
tion in an international Parliamentary Assembly or international court.
d) (new – SG 74/15) arbitration functions vested in accordance with the law of another state.
16. (New, SG 21/00; revoked - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006);
17. (New, SG 21/00; Suppl., SG 92/02; revoked - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006);
18. (New, SG 21/00; Suppl., SG 92/02; revoked - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006);
19. (New, SG 21/00; revoked - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006);
20. (New, SG 92/02; amend. - SG 27/09) "Organised criminal group" is a structured permanent ass
ociation of three or more persons with the purpose of committing crime in the country or abroad, provided f
or which is a penalty of imprisonment of more than three years. The association is structured without the pre
sence of a formal distribution of the functions between the participants, duration of the participation or devel
oped structure.
21. (New, SG 92/02; amend. - SG 38/07, amend. and suppl. – SG, 101/17) “Information system" is 
every individual device or a totality of interconnected or similar devices which, in fulfilment of a definite pr
ogramme, provides, or one of the elements provides automatic data processing, as well as computer data, sto
red, processed, extracted or transferred from such a device or group of devices in view to operating with tho
se data and their use, protection and maintenance.
22. (New, SG 92/02; amend. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17) "Computer data" is every presentati
on of facts, information or concepts in a form subject processing in information systems, including program
me, which can make so, that a certain information system can fulfill a certain function.
23. (New, SG 92/02, amend. – SG, 101/17) "Provider of computer information services" is every co
rporate body or individual offering the possibility of communication through an information system or whic
h processes or stores computer data for this communication service or for its users.
24. (New, SG 92/02; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) "Payment instrument" is a mat
erial instrument, allowing individually or jointly with another instrument, money or other monetary values t
o be transferred.
25. (new – SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17) "Computer network" is any totality of information syst
ems and equipment connected between each other which provides the opportunity to exchange computer dat
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.a.
26. (new – SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17) "Computer programme" is any sequence of machine in
structions which are capable of making an information system perform certain functions.
27. (new – SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17) "Computer virus" is a computer programme which spr
eads automatically and contrary to or without the knowledge of the persons using the information systems a
nd intended for bringing information systems or computer networks to conditions undesired by the users or t
o performing undesired results.
28. (new – SG 38/07; amend. – SG 74/15) "Pornographic material" is any indecent, unacceptable or 
incompatible with the public moral material, whatever the manner of preparing it, which content depicts a re
al or simulated sexual act, copulation, sexual intercourse, including sodomy, masturbation, sexual sadism or 
masochism, or lascivious exhibition of the sexual organs.
29. (new - SG 107/14, in force from 01.01.2015) "Mandatory contributions to state social insurance 
or health insurance in large size" are those exceeding three thousand Levs, while "mandatory contributions t
o state social security or health insurance of particularly large size" are those exceeding twelve thousand Lev
s.
30. (new – SG 74/15) “Pornographic performance” means a live or real-time performance before an
other person of lascivious exhibition of the sexual organs of a person under 18 years of age, or of the partici
pation of such a person in a real or simulated sexual act, copulation, sexual intercourse, including sodomy, 
masturbation, sexual sadism or masochism.
31. (new - SG - 16/19) The criminal offense shall be deemed to have been committed "in conditions 
of domestic violence", if it is preceded by systematic physical, sexual or psychological violence, placing the 
person in economic dependence, coercive restriction of personal life, personal liberty and personal rights, an
d is enforced against persons in ascending and descending order, a spouse or ex-spouse, a person with whom 
one shares a child, a person with whom one is or has been in a de facto marital cohabitation, or a person wit
h whom one lives or has lived in a common household.
 
Special Provision  
Art. 94. The provisions of the general part of this Code shall also apply for crimes stipulated by oth
er laws.
 
 
SPECIAL PART  
Chapter one.  
CRIME AGAINST THE REPUBLIC  
Section I.  
Treason 
Art. 95. (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) Whosoever, with the purpose of subversion, under
mining or weakening of the authority in the republic, participates in a coup attempt for forcible seizure of th
e power in the centre or locally, in a riot or in an armed uprising, shall be punished by imprisonment from te
n to twenty years, by life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 96. (1) (Amend., SG 41/85; suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) Whosoever, with the purpos
e of undermining or weakening the authority in the republic, or create difficulties, deprives of life a state or 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.public figure, shall be punished by imprisonment of twenty years, life imprisonment or life imprisonment wi
thout parole.
(2) Whosoever, with the same purpose, causes a serious bodily harm to such a person shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(3) (New, SG 41/85; suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) Whosoever, with the purpose under par
a 1, through arson, explosion, flooding or other socially dangerous act, causes death to one or more persons, 
shall be punished by imprisonment from fifteen to twenty years, by life imprisonment or life imprisonment 
without parole.
 
Art. 97. (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) Whosoever, with the purpose described in the prec
eding Art., commits a socially dangerous crime according to art. 349 or 350, shall be punished by imprison
ment of ten to twenty years, by life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 97a. (New, SG 41/85) (1) Whosoever, with the purpose under art. 96, keeps somebody as a ho
stage, whose release places under dependence on the fulfilment of a definite condition on the part of the stat
e, of a state or a public organisation or a third person, shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten year
s.
(2) When, in the cases under the preceding para, the perpetrator threatens that if his conditions are n
ot met, he will cause death or serious or average bodily harm to the hostage, the penalty shall be imprisonme
nt of five to fifteen years.
 
Section II.  
Betrayal and Espionage  
Art. 98. (1) Whosoever abets a foreign country or a public group abroad in a war or other hostile act 
against the republic shall be punished by imprisonment from five to fifteen years.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed to those who commit an act with the purpose of instigating 
war or other hostile act against the Republic.
 
Art. 99. (1) (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) Whosoever deprives of life a representative of a 
foreign state with the purpose of instigating war or international complications against the republic shall be 
punished by imprisonment from ten to twenty years, by life imprisonment or life imprisonment without paro
le.
(2) For serious bodily harm to such a person with the same purpose the penalty shall be imprisonme
nt of five to fifteen years.
 
Art. 100. (1) (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) A Bulgarian citizen who during a declared or 
started war, enlists voluntarily in a hostile army or an armed group or participates in a hostile act against the 
republic, or in any form whatsoever passes to the side of the enemy, shall be punished by imprisonment of te
n to twenty years, by life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed to a Bulgarian citizen who, in any way whatsoever, has assis
ted a foreign state or a public group abroad in carrying out military or other hostile activities against the Rep
ublic.
 
Art. 101. (1) A Bulgarian citizen who leaves the country or refuses to return to the country with the 
purpose of providing services to a foreign country or to a foreign organisation in order to serve to it to the de
triment of the republic shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten years.
(2) If the act is committed by a military persons, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen 
years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Art. 102. (1) Whosoever, with the purpose of reducing the defence capacity of the republic occasio
ns a riot or defiance in the Bulgarian army or desertion from it, or with the same reason disrupts its training 
or provision, shall be punished by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(2) (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) If serious consequences have resulted from the act, or if 
it has been committed in war-time, the penalty shall be imprisonment of ten to twenty years, life imprisonme
nt or life imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 103. (suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, in fulfilment of a public emplo
yment or commission before a foreign representation or international organisation, deliberately carries them 
out to the detriment of the republic, shall be punished by imprisonment of ten to fifteen years, as well as by 
depriving of rights under art. 37, para 1 items 6 and 9 .
 
Art. 104. (1) (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98; amend., SG 26/04) Whosoever divulges or gat
hers with the purpose of divulging to a foreign state or foreign organisation information representing a state 
secret shall be punished for espionage by imprisonment of ten to twenty years, by life imprisonment or life i
mprisonment without parole.
(2) If the perpetrator voluntarily discloses to the bodies of authority the committed crime he shall b
e punished with attenuating circumstances.
(3) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 99/89; amend., SG 26/04) The information representing a state secret s
hall be determined by a law.
 
Art. 105. (1) Whosoever places himself at the service of a foreign country or foreign organisation in 
order to serve as a spy, unless he has not committed an act under the preceding para, shall be punished by im
prisonment of five to fifteen years.
(2) The perpetrator shall not be punished if he voluntarily discloses himself to the bodies of authorit
y.
 
Section III.  
Diversion and Sabotage  
Art. 106. (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend, SG 153/98) Whosoever, with the purpose of weakening the po
wer or create difficulties, destroys or damages public buildings, constructions, installations, facilities, transp
ort or communication facilities or other important public property shall be punished for diversion by impriso
nment of five to fifteen years, and in especially serious cases - by imprisonment of twenty years, by life impr
isonment or by life imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 107. Whosoever, with the purpose of weakening the power or create difficulties, disrupts or su
bverts the industry, transport, agriculture, the monetary and credit system, other economic branches or indivi
dual economic enterprises by using state establishments, economic enterprises or public organisations obstru
cting their activity or not carrying out assigned important economic tasks shall be punished for sabotage by i
mprisonment of three to ten years, and in especially serious cases - by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
 
Section IV.  
Other crimes (Title amend., SG 99/89)  
Art. 108. (Suppl., SG 41/85; amend., SG 99/89, SG 10/93) (1) (Amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 38
/07) Whosoever propagates fascist or other anti-democratic ideology or forcible change of the social and stat
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.e system established by the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria  shall be punished by imprisonment o
f up to three years or a fine up to five thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 38/07; suppl. - SG 95/16) Whosoever, in any way whatsoever, 
besmirches the coat-of-arms, the flag or the anthem of the Republic of Bulgaria, or the flag or the anthem of 
the European Union, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or a fine up to three thousand lev
s.
 
Art. 108a. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011; suppl. – SG 74/15, 
amend. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever, for the purpose of causing commotion and fear to the population, or threa
t or compel a body of the authority, a representative of the public or a representative of a foreign country or 
of an international organisation, to do or omit something, commits a crime according to Art. 115, 128, Art. 
142, para 1, Art. 142a, Para. 3, p. 2 , Art. 143, Art. 143a , Art. 144, Para. 2 , Art. 170. Para. 3 , Art. 216, p
ara 1 and para 5 , Art. 319b  – 319d, Art. 326, Art. 330, Art. 334, Art. 336a , Art. 337, Art. 339, Art. 340, 
Art. 341a , Art. 341b , Art. 341c , Art. 344, Art. 347, para 1 , Art. 348, Art. 349, Art. 350, Art. 352, para 1
, 2 and 3, Art. 354, Art. 356f, para 1 , Art. 356h , Art. 356k , Art. 356l  and 356m shall be punished for terr
orism by imprisonment from five to fifteen years, and when death has been caused - by imprisonment from f
ifteen to thirty years, life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
(2) (amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011; amend. – SG 74/15) Whosoever, in any way wh
atsoever, directly or indirectly, gathers or provides financial or other, knowing or expecting that they will be 
used fully or partially:
1. (suppl. – SG, 101/17) for committing an act under Para 1, 3, 4, 6, or 7;
2. by an organisation or a group aiming, which aims at committing a crime under Para 1 or 3;
3. (suppl. – SG, 101/17) by a person, who has committed an act under Para 1, 3, 4, 6 or 7 shall be p
unished by imprisonment of three to fifteen years and a fine of up to thirty thousand levs.
(3) (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whoever recruits or trains persons or groups of per
sons for the purpose of committing a crime under para 1 shall be punishable by imprisonment from two to te
n years.
(4) (new – SG 74/15) Whosoever is training to commit a crime under Para 1 shall be punished by i
mprisonment of up to eight years.
(5) (new – SG 74/15) The performer under Para 4 shall not be punished, if voluntarily submits to th
e authorities before a crime under Para 1 has been committed.
(6) (new – SG 74/15) Any Bulgarian national exiting through the national border in order to partici
pate in a crime under Para 1 – 4, also against another country, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to te
n years.
(7) (new – SG 74/15) The penalty under Para 6 shall be imposed also to any foreigner, who aiming 
to participate in a crime under Para 1 – 4, also against another country, enters through the country borders or 
illegally resides in it.
(8) (prev. text of para 3 – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011; prev. text of Para 04 – SG 74/15) Th
e subject of the crime under para 2 shall be seized in favour of the state or if it is missing or expropriated, its 
equivalence shall be awarded.
 
Art. 109. (1) (Amend., SG 99/89; Amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006
) Whosoever forms or leads an organisation or a group having the goal of committing crime under this chapt
er shall be punished by imprisonment of up to twenty years, but not longer than the penalty stipulated for the 
respective crime.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02; suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever is a member of s
uch organisation or group shall be punished by imprisonment of up to ten years, but not longer than the pena
lty stipulated for the respective crime.
(3) (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Where the organization or group aims at committin
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.g a crime as per Art. 108a , the penalty shall be as follows:
1. under para 1 – imprisonment from ten to twelve years;
2. under para 2 - imprisonment from two to ten years.
(3) (Suppl., SG 95/75; Amend., SG 92/02; suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; prev. text 
of para 3 - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) A participant in the organisation or group who voluntarily s
urrenders to the authorities, discloses everything known to him about the organisation or group, thus facilitat
ing substantially the discovery and the proving of crime committed by it under this chapter shall be punished 
under the conditions of art. 55.
(5) (Amend., SG 92/02; suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; prev. text of para 4 - SG 33/1
1, in force from 27.05.2011) Not punished shall be a participant in the organisation or group who voluntarily 
delivers himself up to the authorities and discloses the organisation or group before another crime is commit
ted by it or by him under this chapter.
 
Art. 110. (1) (Amend., SG 99/89; Amend., SG 92/02; prev. text of Art. 110 – SG 74/15, suppl. – S
G, 101/17) For preparation of a crime according to art. 95, 96, 99, 106 and 107 and Art. 108, para 1, 6, or 
7 the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to six years.
(2) (new – SG 74/15) Any foreigner who on the territory of the country is preparing to commit a cri
me under Art. 108a, Para 1 , shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years, without exceeding the pe
nalty provided for in Art. 108a, Para 1 .
 
Art. 111. (Revoked, SG 99/89)
 
Art. 112. (Amend,. SG 41/85; revoked, SG 99/89)
 
Art. 112a. (New, SG 41/85; revoked, SG 99/89)
 
Art. 113. (Revoked, SG 99/89)
 
Additional provisions  
 
Art. 114. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82, amend. SG 103/04) For crimes under this chapter the court can ru
le revocation of right under art. 37, para 1, items 6 - 10 .
(2) (Suppl., SG 92/02) For crimes under art. 95 - 107, art. 108a and 109 the court can rule confiscat
ion of a part or the entire property of the culprit.
 
Chapter two.  
OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON  
Section I.  
Homicide  
Art. 115. Whosoever deliberately kills somebody shall be punished for homicide by imprisonment f
rom ten to twenty years.
 
Art. 116. (1) (Prev. text of art. 116 - SG 62/97) For homicide:
1. (Suppl. SG 28/82; amend., SG 62/97) of an official, representative of the public, as well as a mili
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.tary man, including from allied or friendly country or army, or on occasion of fulfilment of his duty or functi
on, or a person under international protection;
2. (amend. - SG 27/09) by an official, as well as by a representative of the public, by a police author
ity or on occasion of fulfilment of his duty or function;
3. of a father, mother, as well as of a natural son or daughter;
4. (Suppl., SG 62/97) of a pregnant woman, minor child or more than one person;
5. of a person in a helpless state;
6. in a way or by means dangerous for the life of many, in a particularly torturing way for the victi
m or by a particular cruelty;
6a. (new - SG 16/19) committed in conditions of domestic violence;
7. from mercenary motives;
8. for the purpose of facilitating or covering another crime;
8a. (new – SG 84/13) for the purpose of removal of organs, tissues cells or bodily fluids from the vi
ctim;
9. committed deliberately;
10. (New, SG 92/02) committed by a person acting by an order or in fulfilment of a decision of an o
rganised criminal group;
11. (Prev. item 10 - SG 92/02; suppl. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) committed from hoolig
an, racist or xenophobic motives and
12. (Prev. item 11 - SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) representing a dangerous recidivism or committe
d by a person who has committed other deliberate homicide under the preceding or present article for which 
verdict has not been rendered, (amend., SG 28/82; suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) the penalty is impr
isonment of fifteen to twenty years, life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
(2) (New, SG 62/97; amend., SG 153/98, amend. SG 103/04, Amend. SG 43/05, in Force from 1st 
of September 2005; amend. – SG 64/07; amend. - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 80/09; amend. - SG 33/11, in forc
e from 27.05.2011; suppl. – SG 61/13) For a homicide of a judge, prosecutor, policy authority, investigating 
policeman, state bailiff, private bailiff and deputy private bailiff, as well as customs’ employee, revenue bod
y, of employee of the Executive Agency of Forests or employee of the Ministry of Environment and Waters, 
implementing control activity, or medical personnel, teacher (tutor) during or on occasion of fulfilment of hi
s duty or function the penalty shall be imprisonment of twenty to thirty years, life imprisonment or life impri
sonment without parole.
 
Art. 117. (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Preparation for homicide shall be punished by imprisonment fro
m one to six years.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who abet somebody else to a homicide.
 
Art. 118. (Amend., SG 28/82; amend. – SG 26/10) For homicide committed in a status of affect, wh
ich has been provoked by the victim by violence, serious offence or slander or by other illegal act, as a result 
of which have occurred or there was a possibility of occurrence of serious consequences for the culprit or his 
next of kin, the penalty is: in the cases of art. 115 - imprisonment of one to eight years, and in the cases of a
rt. 116, para 1, items 1 - 6  - imprisonment of three to ten years.
 
Art. 119. For homicide committed in exceeding the scope of the unavoidable defence the penalty sh
all be imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Art. 120. For homicide committed by a mother to a child at the time of birth or immediately after it 
the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 121. For homicide of a newly born child with a monstrous appearance the guilty parent shall b
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.e punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Art. 122. (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever causes death to somebody else by negligence shall b
e punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
(2) (amend. – SG 26/10) If the death is caused by a gun or by a strong poisonous substance or if dea
th is caused to two or more persons, the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to six years.
 
Art. 123. (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever causes death to somebody else due to a lack of know
ledge or negligent fulfilment of a profession or another legally stipulated activity, representing a source of hi
gh danger, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years.
(2) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever, by negligence, causes somebody else death through activities 
belonging to a profession or activity according to the preceding para, which he is not entitled to practice, sha
ll be punished by imprisonment from two to eight years.
(3) (amend. – SG 26/10) If, in the cases of the preceding paras the perpetrator has been intoxicated 
or if death has been caused to more than one person, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years, 
and in especially serious cases - imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(4) If the perpetrator has done everything after the act, depending on him for the rescue of the victi
m the penalty shall be: under para 1 and 2 - imprisonment of up to three years; under para 3 - imprisonment 
of up to five years, and in especially serious cases - imprisonment of three to ten years.
 
Art. 124. (1) Whosoever causes somebody else death by negligence as a result of a deliberately infli
cted bodily harm shall be punished by imprisonment of three to twelve years in case of a serious bodily har
m, from two to eight years in case of an average bodily harm and up to five years in case of a light bodily ha
rm.
(2) (New, SG 95/75; amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86) If the act under the preceding para is committed 
in a state of affect, which has been caused by the victim by violence, heavy offence or slander or by other ill
egal act, as a result of which have occurred or would have occurred serious consequences for the culprit or h
is next of kin the penalty is: for serious bodily harm - imprisonment of up to five years; for average bodily h
arm - imprisonment of up to three years; for light bodily harm - imprisonment of up to two years.
(3) (New, SG 89/86; Amend. SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) If the bodily harm, as a result of which 
the death has resulted, is a dangerous recidivism the penalty shall be: for serious bodily harm - imprisonmen
t of five to fifteen years; and for average bodily harm - imprisonment of three to ten years.
(4) (New, SG 89/86) If the act under para 1 or 3 has been committed by exceeding the scope of the 
unavoidable defence the penalty shall be: for serious bodily harm - imprisonment of up to five years; for ave
rage bodily harm - imprisonment of up to four years; and for light bodily harm - imprisonment of up to two 
years.
 
Art. 125. Mother who negligently causes death to her unborn or newly born child shall not be punis
hed.
 
Art. 126. (1) (Amend., SG 62/97; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, with t
he consent of a pregnant woman kills her foetus outside accredited health establishment, or in violation of th
e approved medical standards and the Rules for good medical practice, shall be punished by imprisonment o
f up to five years.
(2) (Amend., SG 62/97) If the culprit does not have higher medical degree or he has killed the foetu
ses of two or more women the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to eight years.
(3) (Amend., SG 62/97) If the act under the preceding paras is repeatedly committed the penalty sh
all be imprisonment of two to eight years.
(4) The pregnant woman shall not bear criminal liability under the preceding paras, including for ab
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.etting and accessing.
(5) (Amend., SG 62/97) If the killing of the foetus has been done without the consent of the pregna
nt woman the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to eight years.
(6) (Amend., SG 62/97) If, in the above case, the death of the pregnant woman has followed, the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment of five to twelve years.
 
Art. 127. (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever, in any way whatsoever, helps or prevails upon a sui
cide and suicide or attempted suicide takes place, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years.
(2) For the same crime regarding a minor person or a person of whom the culprit is aware that the f
ormer is in no position to guide his acts or he does not understand the quality or the importance of the act, th
e penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years.
(3) Whosoever, by a cruel treatment or systematic humiliation of the dignity of a person in material 
or other dependence on him leads him to a suicide or suicide attempt, having expected it, shall be punished b
y imprisonment of two to eight years.
(4) If the act under the preceding para is committed by negligence, the penalty shall be imprisonme
nt of up to three years.
 
Section II.  
Bodily harm  
Art. 128. (1) Whosoever inflicts on somebody else a serious bodily harm shall be punished by impri
sonment of three to ten years.
(2) The bodily harm shall be considered serious if it has caused: a continuous mental disorder; a co
ntinuous blindness of one or two eyes; a permanent deafness; loss of speech; generative disability; disfigurin
g when it causes a permanent disorder of the speech or of a sense organ; loss of one kidney, the spleen or a b
ranch of the lung; loss or crippling of a leg or a hand; permanent general health disorder dangerous for the li
fe.
 
Art. 129. (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever inflicts on somebody else an average bodily harm sh
all be punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
(2) The bodily harm shall be considered average if it has caused: a permanent weakening of the sig
ht or hearing; permanent speech difficulty, difficulty of moving the limbs, the body or the neck, the function
s of the genitals without causing generative disability; braking of jaw or knocking out teeth without which th
e chewing or the speech is impeded; disfiguring of the face or other parts of the body; permanent health diso
rder, not dangerous for the life or a health disorder temporarily dangerous for the life; injuries penetrating th
e skull, the chest and the abdominal cavity.
 
Art. 130. (1) Whosoever causes somebody else a health disorder in cases other than those under art
. 128 and 129 shall be punished for light bodily harm by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; corr., SG 31/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) For light bodily har
m expressed in causing pain or suffering, without health disorder, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to 
six months or probation, or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(3) If, in the cases under the preceding paras, the aggrieved has returned immediately to the perpetr
ator by the same bodily harm, the court may exempt both of them from punishment.
 
Art. 131. (Amend., and Suppl., SG 28/82; SG 95/75) (1) (Prev. text of art. 131 - SG 62/97) For caus
ing bodily harm:
1. (Amend., SG 62/97) to an official, to a representative of the public, as well as to a military perso
n, including from an allied or friendly country or army, during or on occasion of fulfilment of his duty or fun
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.ction, or to a person under international protection;
2. (amend. - SG 27/09) by an official, by a representative of the public, by a police authority during 
or on occasion of fulfilment of his duty or function;
3. to a mother or a father;
4. (Suppl., SG 62/97) to a pregnant woman, to a minor or to more than one person;
5. in a way especially torturous for the aggrieved;
5a. (new - SG 16/19) in conditions of domestic violence;
6. by a person who has committed deliberately another serious or average bodily harm according to 
art. 128 and 129 or according to this Art., for which verdict has not been rendered;
7. repeatedly, if the bodily harm is serious or average
8. (New, SG 92/02) by a person acting by an order or in fulfilment of a decision of an organised cri
minal group;
8a. (new – SG 84/13) for the purpose of removal of organs, tissues cells or bodily fluids from the vi
ctim;
9. (New, SG 92/02) in a way or by means dangerous for the life of many or by particular cruelty;
10. (New, SG 92/02) from mercenary motives;
11. (New, SG 92/02) in order to facilitate or cover another crime;
12. (New, SG 92/02; suppl. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) from hooligan, racist or xenopho
bic motives.
(2) (New, SG 62/97, amend. SG 103/04, Amend. SG 43/05, in Force from 1st of September 2005; a
mend. – SG 64/07; amend. - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 80/09; amend. – SG 26/10; amend. - SG 33/11, in force 
from 27.05.2011; suppl. – SG 61/13) For inflicting bodily harm to a judge, prosecutor, investigator, police a
uthority, investigating policeman, state bailiff, private bailiff and deputy private bailiff, as well as customs’ e
mployee, revenue body, an employee of the Executive Agency of Forests or an employee of the Ministry of 
Environment and Waters, carrying out control activity, or medical personnel, teacher (tutor) during or on oc
casion of fulfilment of his duty or function the penalty shall be imprisonment:
1. from five to fifteen years for serious bodily harm;
2. from three to ten years for average bodily harm;
3. from one to five years for a light bodily harm according to art. 130, para 1 ;
4. up to three years for a light bodily harm according to art. 130, para 2 .
 
Art. 131a. (Prev., para 2 of art. 131 - SG 28/82; amend., SG 89/86; SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04; a
mend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) In the cases of dangerous recidivism the p
enalty shall be: for a serious bodily harm - imprisonment of eight to fifteen years, and for average bodily har
m - imprisonment of five to twelve years.
 
Art. 132. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; suppl., SG 89/86) For a bodily harm, besides in the cases under a
rt. 131a, inflicted on somebody else in a state of affect, caused by the aggrieved by violence, outrage, slande
r or other illegal act which has caused or would have caused grave consequences for the culprit or his next o
f kin the penalty shall be:
1. imprisonment of up to three years for serious bodily harm;
2. imprisonment of up to one year for average bodily harm;
3. imprisonment of three months or probation for a period of up to six months for light bodily harm 
according to art. 130, para 1 ;
4. (Amend., SG 10/93; Amend., SG 92/02) probation for a period of up to six months or a fine of o
ne hundred to three hundred levs according to art. 130, para 2 .
(2) The penalties under the preceding para shall also be imposed in the cases of inflicting bodily har
m in exceeding the scope of the unavoidable defence.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 133. Whosoever inflicts on somebody else, by negligence, serious or average bodily harm shall 
be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by a probation.
 
Art. 134. (1) Whosoever inflicts on somebody else a serious or an average bodily harm due to ignor
ance or due to a careless practising of a profession or of another legally stipulated activity representing a sou
rce of a high danger shall be punished:
1. imprisonment of up to three years for a serious bodily harm and
2. by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation for an average bodily harm.
(2) (amend. and suppl. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, by negligence, inflicts o
n somebody else a serious or average bodily harm through activities belonging to a profession or activity acc
ording to the preceding para, which he has no right to practice, the penalty shall be, for serious bodily harm - 
imprisonment of up to five years, and for average bodily harm - imprisonment of up to three years.
(3) (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If, in the cases under the preceding paras the per
petrator has been intoxicated or if he has inflicted injury to more than one person the penalty shall be impris
onment from one to six years for serious bodily harm and imprisonment of up to five years for average bodil
y harm.
(4) If, after the act, the perpetrator has made everything in their power to assist the aggrieved, this s
hall be taken into consideration as attenuating circumstance in determining the penalty.
 
Art. 135. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97) Whosoever, knowing that he suffers from a venereal d
isease, infects somebody else with the same disease shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years a
nd a fine up to two hundred levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97) If in the case under the preceding para the infected are minor pe
rsons under 16 years of age or more than two persons have been infected, the penalty shall be imprisonment 
of up to five years or a fine of up to five hundred levs.
(3) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97) Whosoever, knowing that he suffers from venereal disease, infe
cts by negligence somebody else with the same disease shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year 
or a fine of up to two hundred levs.
(4) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97) Whosoever, through a sexual intercourse or in any other way pu
ts another person in jeopardy of being infected with a venereal disease, shall be punished by imprisonment o
f up to six months of by a fine of up to two hundred levs.
(5) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93, SG 62/97) A person having a venereal disease, who refus
es to be treated or avoids a regular obligatory treatment shall be fined with up to three hundred levs imposed 
through administrative channels.
(6) If the act under the preceding para is repeated, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to six m
onths.
 
Section III.  
Discrediting  
Art. 136. (1) Whosoever violates rules established for protection of the safety of labour, thus puttin
g in jeopardy the life or the health of the workers, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or 
probation, as well as by public reprimand.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) When an act under the preceding para puts by negligence in jeopardy the life o
r the health of the workers the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
 
Art. 137. Whosoever puts in jeopardy a person unable to protect himself for reasons of being minor
, superannuated, sick, or generally, being helpless, in such a way that his life can be in danger and being awa
re of it he does not come to his assistance, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Art. 138. Whosoever deliberately does not render assistance to a person of whom he is obliged to ta
ke care and who is in danger of his life, and who is unable to protect himself for reasons of being minor, sup
erannuated, sick, or generally, being helpless, in the cases when he could have rendered assistance, shall be 
punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Art. 139. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever, in immediate danger for t
he life of somebody else, does not come to the assistance which could have been rendered without a danger f
or himself or for somebody else shall be punished by probation for up to six months or by a fine of one hund
red to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 140. A driver of vehicle who, after a traffic accident in which he took part, does not render the 
necessary assistance to the injured person, which could have been rendered without a danger for himself or f
or somebody else shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Art. 141. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If a person practising medical profe
ssion, after being invited, does not come to the assistance of a sick person or of a woman in labour without a 
valid reason shall be punished by probation or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) If the culprit has been aware that the sick person or the woman in labour were in a dangerous sta
te, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever, being obliged to render assistan
ce to a sick person, does not render such assistance without valid reasons shall be punished by probation for 
up to six months or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Section IV.  
Kidnapping and Illegal Constraint (Title amend., SG 50/95)  
Art. 142. (New, SG 50/95) (1) (Amend., SG 92/02; suppl. - SG 27/09 ; amend. – SG 26/10) Whoso
ever kidnaps another person shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten years.
(2) (amend. – SG 26/10) The penalty shall be imprisonment of seven to fifteen years when:
1. the perpetrator has been armed;
2. the act has been committed by two or more persons;
3. (Amend., SG 62/97) the abducted person is a pregnant woman or a person under 18 years of age;
4. the kidnapped person is under international protection;
5. the act has been committed against two or more persons;
5a. (new - SG 16/19) the act has been committed in conditions of domestic violence;
6. (New, SG 62/97) the act has been committed by a person practising guarding activity, by an emp
loyee of an organisation carrying out guarding or insurance activity, by a person acting by an errand of such 
organisation or posing as such, by a person from the Ministry of Interior or a person posing as such;
7. (New, SG 62/97; Suppl., SG 92/02) the kidnapping, for mercenary motive or the purpose of takin
g the person out of the country;
8. (New, SG 62/97; amend., SG 92/02) the act has been committed by a person acting by an order o
r in fulfilment of a decision of an organisation or a group under art. 321a  or an organised criminal group.
(3) (amend. – SG 26/10) The penalty shall be imprisonment from ten to twenty years or life impriso
nment, as well as confiscation of part of or the entire property of the guilty person, in those cases where:
1. the deed has been committed repeatedly or is dangerous relapse;
2. substantial harmful consequences have occurred as a result of the act;
3. the kidnapped person has been treated with particular cruelty;
4. the deed has been committed in such a manner that is particularly tormenting or dangerous to the 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.health of the kidnapped person;
5. the release of the kidnapped person is depending on something that should be done by a third par
ty.
(4) (revoked – SG 26/10)
(5) (new – SG 26/10) For preparation, instigation or association with the purpose of committing a c
rime under this article, the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to six years.
(6) (new – SG 26/10) In the cases of paras 1 through 5 the perpetrator shall be punished under the t
erms of Art. 55, if he/she surrenders to the authorities voluntarily and discloses everything he or she knows 
about the committed crimes and thus facilitates considerably the investigation and the proof of the crimes.
 
Art. 142a. (Prev. art. 142 - SG 50/95) (1) (Amend., SG 62/97) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whoever illega
lly constrains somebody shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
(2) (Amend., SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10) If the act is committed by an official or by a represent
ative of the public in violation of his duty or function, or by a person under art. 142, para 2, item 6 and 8 , t
he penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years.
(3) (New, SG 62/97, amend. – SG, 101/17) If the act under Para. 1 and 2 has been committed in rel
ation to:
1. against a pregnant woman, minor or underage person;
2. a person, benefitting international protection,
the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years.
(4) (New - SG 16/19) If the act under Para. 1 has been committed in conditions of domestic violenc
e, the penalty shall be imprisonment from three to ten years.
(5) (Prev. para 3; amend., SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10, previous Para. 4 - SG 16/19) If the act un
der the preceding paras has been committed in a way, tormenting or dangerous for the health of the aggrieve
d, or if the constraint has continued for more than two days and nights, the penalty shall be imprisonment of 
three to twelve years.
(6) (New - SG 28/82, in force from 01.07.1982, repealed - SG 50/95, prev. para 4 - SG 62/97; amen
d. – SG 26/10, previous Para. 5 - SG 16/19) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on those who de
liberately place or hold a healthy person in a health institution for mental diseases.
(7) (New - SG 28/82; revoked SG 50/95, previous Para. 6 - SG 16/19)
 
Section V.  
Compulsion  
Art. 143. (Amend., SG 50/95) (Prev. text of art. 143 - SG 62/97) Whosoever compels somebody els
e to accomplish, miss or endure something against his will by using force, threat or abuse of authority shall b
e punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
(2) (New, SG 62/97) If the act is committed by a person under art. 142, para 2, item 6 and 8 , the p
enalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years.
(3) (New - SG 16/19) If the act under Para. 1 has been committed in conditions of domestic violenc
e, the penalty shall be imprisonment from three to ten years.
(4) (New, SG 62/97, amend. SG 103/04, Amend. SG 43/05, in Force from 1st of September 2005; a
mend. – SG 64/07; amend. - SG 27/0; amend. - SG 80/099; amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011, pr
evious Para. 3 - SG 16/19) Where the compulsion is exerted on a judge, prosecutor, investigator, police auth
ority, investigating policeman, state bailiff, private bailiff and deputy private bailiff, as well as customs’ emp
loyee, revenue body, an employee of the Executive Agency of Forests or an employee of the Ministry of En
vironment and Waters, implementing control activity, during or on occasion of fulfilment of his duty or func
tion, the penalty shall be:
1. in the cases referred to in para 1 - imprisonment from two to eight years;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.2. in the cases referred to in para 2 - imprisonment from five to fifteen years.
 
Art. 143a. (New, SG 41/85) (1) Whosoever holds somebody as a hostage whose release puts in dep
endence the fulfilment of a definite requirement on the part of the state, of a state or public organisation or o
f a third person, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to eight years.
(2) When, in the cases under the preceding para the perpetrator threatens that if the requirements set 
by him are not met he will cause death or serious or average bodily harm to the hostage, the penalty shall be 
imprisonment of two to ten years.
(3) (New, SG 62/97) If the act under the preceding paras has been committed by a person under art
. 142, para 2, item 6 and 8 , the penalty shall be:
1. under para 1 - imprisonment of two to ten years;
2. under para 2 - imprisonment of five to twelve years.
 
Art. 144. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 26/10) Wh
osoever threatens somebody else by a crime against his person or property or against the person and the prop
erty of his next of kin and this threat could cause a justified fear of its fulfilment shall be punished by impris
onment of up to three years.
(2) (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; amend. SG 10/93; SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10) For threat aga
inst an official or a representative of the public during or on occasion of fulfilment of his duty or function, or 
against a person under international protection, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years.
(3) (Suppl., SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10, suppl. - SG 16/19) If the perpetrator has threatened with 
death or the act has been committed by a person under art. 142, para 2, item 6 and 8 , or has been committe
d in conditions of domestic violence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to six years.
 
Art. 144a. (New - SG 16/19) (1) Whoever systematically follows another person and thus causing a 
legitimate fear for one’s life or health, or for the life or health of one’s fellow human beings, and if the act d
oes not constitute a more serious criminal offence, the penalty for that person shall be imprisonment of up to 
one year, or probation.
(2) Following someone as per Para. 1 shall be any threatening behaviour towards a given person, w
hich may consist in persecuting the other person, showing to the other person that they are being observed, i
nitiating unwanted communication with them by all possible means of communication.
(3) If the act is committed in the context of domestic violence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of 
up to five years.
 
Section VI.  
Disclosure of a secret of another  
Art. 145. (1) (Prev. text of art. 145; amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever ill
egally discloses a secret of another dangerous for the good name of somebody, which has been entrusted to 
him or has become known to him in connection with his profession, shall be punished by imprisonment of u
p to one year or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) Whosoever divulges the secret of adoption with an intention to cause damagin
g consequences to the adopted person, to the adopting parent or to their family shall be punished by impriso
nment of up to six months or by probation, and when grave circumstances have occurred as a result of the ac
t - by imprisonment of up to one year.
 
Art. 145a. (New, SG 62/97) (1) Whosoever uses information gathered through using special intellig
ence devices, beyond its purpose of protecting the national security or for the purposes of the criminal proce
edings, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to five hundred levs.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) If the act is committed by an official who has acquired the information or it has become known 
to him within the scope of his duty, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of up to 
five thousand levs.
(3) In the cases under the preceding para the court can render a verdict of revocation of rights accor
ding to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Section VII.  
Insult and Libel  
Art. 146. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 21/00) Whosoever says or accomplishes something 
humiliating the honour or the dignity of another in his presence shall be punished for insult by a fine of one t
housand to three thousand levs. In this case the court can also impose the penalty of public reprimand.
(2) If the insulted has responded immediately by an insult, the court may exempt both of them from 
punishment.
 
Art. 147. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 21/00) Whosoever divulges an ignominious circum
stance regarding another or fastens a crime on him shall be punished for libel by a fine of three thousand to s
even thousand levs and by public reprimand.
(2) The perpetrator shall not be punished if the genuineness of the divulged circumstances or of the 
fastened crime is proven.
 
Art. 148. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 21/00) For insult:
1. for an insult in public;
2. circulated through a printed matter or in any other way;
3. of an official or a representative of the public during or on occasion of his duty or functions and
4. (amend. SG 10/93) by an official or representative of the public during or on occasion of fulfilme
nt of his duty or function
the penalty shall be a fine of three thousand to ten thousand levs and public reprimand.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82, SG 21/00) For a libel committed under the conditions of the preceding para
, as well as for a libel as a result of which grave circumstances have occurred, the penalty shall be a fine of fi
ve thousand levs to fifteen thousand levs and public reprimand.
(3) Applied in the cases under para 1, item 1 can be para 2 of art. 146.
 
Art. 148a. (New, SG 62/97; amend., SG 21/00) Whosoever divulges verbally, through printed matt
er or in any other way, data, circumstances or assertions regarding another, based on illegally acquired infor
mation from the archives of the Ministry of Interior, shall be punished by a fine of five thousand to twenty th
ousand levs.
 
Section VIII.  
Debauchery  
Art. 149. (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 89/86) (1) (Amend., SG 107/96; amend. - SG, 75/06, in fo
rce from 13.10.2006) Whosoever commits and act in order to arouse or satisfy a sexual desire without a cop
ulation regarding a person who has not accomplished 14 years of age shall be punished for fornication by im
prisonment from one to six years.
(2) (Amend., SG 107/96; suppl. - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 74/15) The fornication shall be punished 
by imprisonment between two and eight years, where it was committed:
1. by using force or threat;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.2. by making the victim defenceless;
3. by taking advantage of a defenceless victim;
4. by taking advantage of dependency or control relations;
5. in respect of a person engaged in prostitution.
(3) (Amend., SG 107/96; amend. - SG 38/07) If the act under the preceding paras is repeated, the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years.
(4) (New, SG 107/96) The penalty for fornication shall be imprisonment of three to fifteen years:
1. if it is committed by two or more persons;
2. (Revoked, SG 62/97; new - SG 74/15) if committed in respect of a person unable to understand t
he meaning or significance of the act;
3. (Revoked, SG 62/97);
4. (Revoked, SG 62/97.
(5) (New, SG 62/97) The penalty for fornication shall be imprisonment of five to twenty years:
1. if the subject of fornication have been two or more minors;
2. if a serious bodily harm has been incurred or a suicide attempt has followed;
3. if it represents a dangerous recidivism;
4. (new – SG 38/07) if it represents a particularly severe case.
 
Art. 150. (1) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 89/86, SG 107/96; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 1
3.10.2006; prev. text of Art. 150, amend. and suppl. - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever commits a
n act with the purpose of arousing or satisfying a sexual desire without copulation regarding a person who h
as accomplished 14 years of age, by using force or threat, availing himself of his helpless status or by bringi
ng him to such a status or by taking advantage of dependency or control shall be punished by imprisonment 
from two to eight years.
(2) (new - SG 74/15) The penalty under Para 1 shall be imposed also a person who has committed t
he act referred to in Para 1 in respect of a juvenile engaged in prostitution.
(3) (new - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10; prev. text of Para 02, amend. and suppl. - SG 74/15) Ther
e the act referred to in Para 1 was committed in respect of a person unable to understand the meaning and sig
nificance of the act, or the act qualifies as a explictly severe case, the penalty shall be imprisonment from thr
ee to ten years.
 
Art. 151. (1) (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever copulates with a person w
ho has not accomplished 14 years of age, inasmuch as the act does not constitute a crime according to art. 1
52, shall be punished by imprisonment of two to six years.
(2) (new - SG 74/15) Where the act referred to in Para 1 was committed:
1. by taking advantage of dependency or control relations;
2. in respect of a person under the age of 14, engaged in prostitution;
3. by two or more persons, the penalty should be imprisonment between two and eight years.
(3) (new - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10; amend. – SG 26/10; amend. – SG 26/10; prev. text of Par
a 02 - SG 74/15) Where the act referred to in Para 1 was committed with a juvenile by taking advantage of d
ependency or control, the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to five years.
(4) (prev. text of Para 02 - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10; prev. text of Para 03 - SG 74/15) Whosoe
ver copulates with a person who has accomplished 14 years of age, who does not understand the characterist
ic or the importance of the act, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Art. 152. (1) Whosoever copulates with a female person:
1. unable to defend herself and without her consent;
2. by compelling her to it by force or threat;
3. by bringing her to a helpless state,
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.shall be punished for rape by imprisonment of two to eight years.
(2) The penalty for rape shall be imprisonment of three to ten years:
1. (Amend., SG 92/02) if the raped has not accomplished eighteen years of age;
2. if she is a descending kinswoman;
3. (New, SG 28/82) if it is committed for a second time.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82) The penalty for rape shall be imprisonment of three to fifteen years:
1. if it has been committed by two or more persons;
2. if an average bodily harm has been caused;
3. if a suicide attempt has followed;
4. (New, SG 92/02) if it has been committed for the purpose of engagement in subsequent lewd acti
vities or prostitution;
5. (Prev. item 4 - SG 92/02) if it represents a dangerous recidivism.
(4) (Amend., SG 28/82; Amend., SG 92/02) The penalty for rape shall be imprisonment of ten to tw
enty years:
1. if the raped has not accomplished fourteen years of age;
2. if severe bodily harm has been caused;
3. if a suicide attempt has followed;
4. if it represents a particularly severe case.
 
Art. 153. (amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever copulates with another person 
by using his/her employment or material dependence on him/her, shall be punished by imprisonment of up t
o three years.
 
Art. 154. Copulation between ascendants and descendants, between brothers and sisters and betwee
n adopter and adopted shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 154a. (1) (new - SG 27/09; prev. text of Art. 154a, amend. - SG 74/15) Whoever commits forni
cation or copulation with a juvenile practising prostitution shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three 
years.
(2) (new - SG 74/15) Where the act under Para 1 was repeated or committed by two or more person
s, the penalty shall be imprisonment between one and five years.
 
Art. 155. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97; Amend., SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04; ame
nd. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever persuades another person to prostitute or bawds to for
nication or to copulation shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of one thousand t
o three thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever provi
des systematically premises to different persons for sexual intercourse or for fornication shall be punished b
y imprisonment of up to five years and by a fine of one thousand levs to five thousand levs.
(3) (New, SG 62/97; Amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalt
y for the acts under para 1 and 2, committed from mercenary motives shall be imprisonment of one to six ye
ars and a fine of five thousand levs to fifteen thousand levs.
(4) (New, SG 21/00; amend. - SG, 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever persuades or comp
els another person to using narcotic substances or their analogues for the purpose of prostituting, copulation, 
fornication or carrying out sexual intercourse or act of sexual satisfaction with a person of the same sex, shal
l be punished by imprisonment of five to fifteen years and by a fine of ten thousand to fifty thousand levs.
(5) (New, SG 21/00; suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. - SG 38/07) If the act un
der para 1-4 has been committed:
1. by a person acting by an errand or in fulfilment of a decision of an organised criminal group;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.2. against a person less than 18 years of age or insane;
3. against two or more persons;
4. repeatedly;
5. in case of dangerous recidivism,
the penalty in the cases of Para 1 and 2 shall be imprisonment from two to eight years and a fine fro
m five thousand to fifteen thousand levs, in the cases of Para 3 - imprisonment from three to ten years and a 
fine from ten thousand to twenty-five thousand levs, and in the cases of Para 4 – imprisonment of ten to twe
nty years and fine of one hundred thousand to three hundred thousand levs.
(6) (Prev., para 3; amend. SG 62/97; prev. para 4, SG 21/00; revoked – SG 75/06, in force from 13.
10.2006).
(7) (revoked – SG 103/04)
 
Art. 155a. (new – SG 38/07; amend. - SG 74/15) (1) Whosoever, providing or collecting informatio
n by information or communication technologies of other means on a person under the age of 18, in order to 
enable the contact with him for the purpose of performing fornication, copulation, sexual intercourse, prostit
ution, production of pornographic materials or participation in a pornographic performance, shall be punishe
d by imprisonment from one to six years and a fine of five thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) The penalty under Para 1 shall also be imposed to anybody, who, by information or communicat
ion technologies or other means, establishes a contact with a person under the age of 14 in order to perform f
ornication, copulation, sexual intercourse, for the creation of pornographic materials or participation in a por
nographic performance.
 
Art. 155b. (1) (New - SG 27/09; prev. text of Art. 155b, amend. - SG 26/10, amend. - SG 53/22) W
hoever persuades a person less than 14 years of age to observe actual, virtual or simulated sexual intercourse 
between persons of the same or different sex or lascivious display of human sexual organs, sodomy, masturb
ation, sexual sadism or masochism, shall be punished by imprisonment for up to six years.
(2) (New - SG 53/22) Whoever persuades a person less than 14 years of age to take part in actual, v
irtual or simulated sexual intercourse between persons of the same or different sex or lascivious display of h
uman sexual organs, sodomy, masturbation, sexual sadism or masochism, shall be punished by imprisonmen
t from two to eight years.
(3) (New - SG 74/15, previous Para. 2 - SG 53/22) Where the act referred to in Para. 1 was committ
ed:
1. by use of force or threats;
2. by taking advantage of a position of dependency or supervision;
3. by two or more persons who have agreed between themselves in advance;
4. (amend. - SG 53/22) repeatedly, the punishment shall be imprisonment from three to ten years.
 
Art. 155c. (1) (New - SG 74/15, previous text of Art. 155c, amend. - SG 53/22) Whoever, by the us
e of force or intimidation, or taking advantage of a position of dependency or supervision, induces a juvenile 
to observe a real, virtual or simulated act of fornication, copulation, sexual intercourse, including sodomy, m
asturbation, sexual sadism or masochism, or lascivious exhibition of human genitalia, shall be punished by i
mprisonment for up to six years.
(2) (New - SG 53/22) Whoever, through the use of force or threats, or through the use of a position 
of dependence or supervision, persuades a juvenile to participate in an actual, virtual or simulated fornicatio
n, copulation, sexual intercourse, including sodomy, masturbation, sexual sadism or masochism, as well as l
ascivious display of human genitalia, shall be punished by imprisonment from two to eight years.
 
Art. 156. (Amend., SG 10/93; amend. - SG 62/97) (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.200
6) Whosoever abducts another person for the purpose of debauchery shall be punished by imprisonment of t
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.hree to ten years and by a fine of up to one thousand levs.
(2) (New, SG 62/97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty shall be imprisonm
ent of five to twelve years when:
1. the abducted person has not accomplished 18 years of age;
2. the abducted person has been placed at a disposal for debauchery, or
3. the abduction has had the purpose of placing the person at a disposal for debauchery outside the c
ountry.
(3) (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen 
years and a fine of five thousand to twenty thousand levs, when:
1. the act is committed by a person, who acts by an order or in fulfilment of a decision of organised 
criminal group;
2. the abducted person is taken for the purpose of lewd activities out of the country;
3. the act represents a dangerous recidivism.
 
Art. 157. (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend. - SG 74/15) (1) Whosoever carries out sexual intercourse or an 
act of sexual satisfaction with a person of the same sex by using force or threat or using a state of dependenc
e or supervision, as well as with a person unable to defend himself, shall be punished by imprisonment of tw
o to eight years.
(2) Where the act referred to in Para 1 has been committed with regard to a juvenile engaged in pro
stitution, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years.
(3) In case the act under para 1 has been committed with regards to a person, who has not accompli
shed 14 years of age, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to twelve years.
(4) Whosoever carries out sexual intercourse or acts of sexual satisfaction with a person of the same 
sex under 14 years of age, shall be punished by imprisonment of two to six years.
(5) Where the act referred to in Para 4 has been committed with regard to a person under the age of 
14, engaged in prostitution, the penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years.
(5) Whosoever carries out sexual intercourse or acts of sexual satisfaction with a person of the same 
sex having accomplished 14 years of age, who does not understand the nature or the importance of the act sh
all be punished by imprisonment of two to six years.
(6) Where the act under Para 1 - 6 qualifies as a particularly serious case the penalty shall be impris
onment of five to twenty years.
 
Art. 158. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked - SG 74/15)
 
Art. 158a. (new - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 74/15) (1) Any person who in whatever way recruits, aids 
or uses a person under the age of 18 or a group of such persons to participate in a pornographic performance 
shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
(2) Any person who forces a person under the age of 18 or a group of such persons to participate in 
a pornographic performance shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years.
(3) Where the acts under Para 1 and 2 are committed with regard to a person under the age of 14 the 
penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years.
(4) Where a proprietary benefit was received for committing the act, the penalty shall be:
1. in the cases of Para 1 or 2 - imprisonment of two to eight years and fine of ten thousand to twent
y thousand levs;
2. in the cases of Para 3 - imprisonment of three to ten years and fine of twenty thousand to fifty tho
usand levs.
(5) A person observing a pornographic performance with the participation of a person under the age 
of 18 shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 158b. (new - SG 74/15) For crimes under Art. 149 - 157  or Art. 158a  the court may impose de
privation of a right under Art. 37, Para 1, Item 6 or 7 .
Art. 159. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97; Amend., SG 92/02) (1) (amend. - SG 38/07) W
hosoever produces, exhibits, broadcasts, offers, sells, lends or in any other way circulates pornographic mate
rials shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of one thousand to three thousand levs.
(2) (new – SG 38/07; suppl. - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever circulates pornographic m
aterial through information or communication technologies or in another similar way shall be punished by i
mprisonment of up to two years and fine of one thousand to three thousand levs.
(3) (Prev. text of para 02, amend. - SG 38/07, amend. - SG 53/22) Whosoever exhibits, presents, off
ers, sells, lends or in any other way circulates pornographic materials to persons under 16 years of age shall 
be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
(4) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; prev. text of para 03, amend. - SG 38/07; amend
. - SG 74/15) For an act under para 1 - 3 the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up 
to eight thousand levs, where:
1. for the purposes of creation of the pornographic material was used a person under the age of 18 o
r a person with such an appearance;
2. for the purposes of creation of the pornographic material was used a person unable to understand 
nature or meaning of the act;
3. committed by two or more persons;
4. committed repeatedly.
(5) (prev. text of para 04, amend. - SG 38/07) When the act under para 1 - 4 has been committed by 
an errand or in fulfilment of a decision of an organised criminal group, the penalty shall be imprisonment of 
two to eight years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs, as the court may rule confiscation of a part or of the 
whole property of the offender.
(6) (prev. text of para 05, amend. - SG 38/07; amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever keeps or obtains for h
imself or for another person through information or communication technologies or in any other way pornog
raphic materials for the creation of which a person less than 18 years of age or a person with such appearanc
e has been used shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to two thousand levs.
(7) (new - SG 74/15) The penalty under Para 6 shall be imposed also to a person consciously access
ing by means of information or communication technology pornographic materials, which creation involved 
the use of a person under the age of 18 or a person with such appearance.
(8) (new - SG 74/15) In the cases of Para 1 - 7 the court may impose also deprivation of a right und
er Art. 37, Para 1, Items 6 or 7 .
(9) (prev. text of para 06 - SG 38/07; prev. text of Para 07 - SG 74/15) The subject of the crime shal
l be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missing or has been expropriated, its equivalence shall be award
ed.
 
Section IX.  
Traffic of people (New, SG 92/02)  
Art. 159a. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. - SG 27/09; amend – SG 84/13) Whosoever gathers, transp
orts, des or receives individuals or groups of people in order to be used for vicious practice, involuntary serv
itude, mendicancy, removal of organs, tissues cells or bodily fluids or to be kept under compulsory submissi
on regardless of their consent, shall be punished by imprisonment of two to eight years and a fine from three 
thousand to twelve thousand levs.
(2) (amend. - SG 27/09) When the act under para 1 is committed:
1. regarding a person under eighteen years of age;
2. by compulsion or by deceiving the person;
3. by kidnapping or illegal deprivation of freedom;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.4. by using a state of dependence;
5. by malfeasance;
6. by promising, providing or obtaining benefit,
7. (new – SG 84/13) by an official during or on occasion of performance of their duties;
the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years and a fine from ten thousand to twenty thous
and levs.
(3) (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. - SG 27/09) In case the act under para 1 has 
been committed with regards to a pregnant woman with the purpose of selling the child, the penalty shall be 
imprisonment of three to fifteen years and a fine of twenty thousand to fifty thousand levs.
 
Art. 159b. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. - SG 27/09) Whosoever gathers, transports, hides or receiv
es individuals or groups of people and transfers them through the border of the country with the purpose und
er art. 159a, para 1  shall be punished by imprisonment of three to twelve years and a fine from ten thousan
d to twenty thousand levs.
(2) (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. - SG 27/09) If the act under para 1 is com
mitted under the conditions of art. 159a, para 2 and 3 , the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to twelve y
ears and a fine from twenty thousand to fifty thousand levs.
 
Art. 159c. (new - SG 27/09; amend – SG 84/13) Whoever uses a person, victim of traffic of people, 
for acts of debauchery, for forced labour, mendicancy, removal of organs, tissues cells or bodily fluids or to 
be kept in forced obedience regardless of his consent shall be punished by imprisonment from three to ten ye
ars and fine from ten thousand to twenty thousand levs.
 
Art. 159d. (new - SG 27/09) Where the act under Art. 159a - 159c  represents a dangerous recidivis
m or is committed on the order, or as execution of the decision of an organized criminal group, the penalty s
hall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years and a fine of twenty thousand to one hundred thousand levs, wh
ereby the court may also order the confiscation of part or the whole property of the perpetrator.
 
Additional provisions  
 
Art. 160. (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) The court can rule 
revoking of right under art. 37, para 1, item 6 or 7  for the crimes under art. 116, para 1, item 2 , 123, 126, 
Art. 131, para 1, item 2 , 134, Art. 142, para 2 and 3 .
(2) (New, SG 54/78; revoked. SG 28/82)
 
SPECIAL PROVISION  
Art. 161. (Amend. SG 28/82; suppl., SG 89/86; amend., SG 50/95; SG 21/00) (1) (Prev. text of art. 
161 - SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04, amend. - SG 16/19) For a light bodily harm under art. 130 and Art. 131, 
para 1, item 3 - 5 , for a light and average bodily harm under art. 132, for the crimes under art. 144, para 1 , 
Art. 145, 146 - 148a , as well as for a bodily harm under art. 132, 133 and 134 inflicted on an ascendant, des
cendant, spouse, brother or sister the criminal proceedings shall be instituted upon a complaint of the aggrie
ved.
(2) (New, SG 92/02, amend. - SG 16/19) For bodily harm under Art. 129, caused to an ascendant, d
escendant, spouse, brother or sister, as well as for crimes under art. 133, art. 135, para 1, 3 and 4 , art. 139 
-141 and Art. 144a, Para. 1 , the criminal prosecution of general nature shall be instituted upon a complaint 
of the aggrieved to the prosecution and it cannot be terminated at his request.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Chapter three.  
CRIME AGAINST THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS  
Section I.  
Crimes against the equality of citizens (title amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011)  
Art. 162. (1) (amend. - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whosoever, throug
h speech, press or other means for mass information, through electronic information systems or in any other 
way, propagates or incites discrimination, violence or hatred on racial, national or ethnic ground or shall be 
punished by imprisonment from one to four years and by fine from five thousand to ten thousand levs and b
y public reprimand.
(2) (amend. - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whosoever uses violence ag
ainst another or damages his property because of his race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or political con
viction shall be punished by imprisonment from one to four years and by fine from five thousand to ten thou
sand levs and also by public reprimand.
(3) (amend. - SG 27/09) Whosoever forms or heads an organisation or a group whose goal is the pe
rpetration of the acts under Para 1 and 2 or systematically allows the commission of such acts shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of one to six years and by fine from ten thousand to thirty thousand levs and also by pu
blic reprimand.
(4) A member of such an organisation or a group shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three 
years and by a public reprimand.
(5) (revoked – SG 103/04)
 
Art. 163. (1) (suppl. - SG 27/09) The persons who participate in a crowd for attack on groups of the 
population, individual citizens or their property in connection with their national, ethnical or racial belongin
g shall be punished:
1. the instigators and leaders - by imprisonment of up to five years;
2. all the rest - by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
(2) If the crowd or some of the participants are armed, the penalty shall be:
1. for the instigators and leaders - imprisonment of one to six years;
2. for all the rest - imprisonment of up to three years.
(3) If an attack is carried out and as a result of it a serious bodily harm or death has followed, the in
stigators and the leaders shall be punished by imprisonment of three to fifteen years and all the rest - by impr
isonment of up to five years, unless they are subject to a more severe penalty.
 
Section II.  
Crime against the religion  
Art. 164. (amend. - SG 27/09) (1) (suppl. SG 74/15) Whoever propagates or constitutes incitement t
o discrimination , violence  or hatred on religious grounds  through speeches, press or other means for mass in
formation, through electronic information systems or in any other way shall be punished by imprisonment of 
up to four years or by probation, as well as by fine from five thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) Whoever desecrates, destroys or damages a religious temple, a home of prayer, sanctuary or a b
uilding adjacent to them, their symbols or gravestones shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three year
s or by probation, as well as by a fine from three thousand to ten thousand levs.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 165. (1) Whosoever, by force or threat obstructs the citizens to profess their faith or carry out t
heir rituals and services which do not violate the laws of the country, the public peace and the good morals s
hall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who, in the same way, compel others to participate 
in religious rituals and services.
(3) For the acts under art. 163 committed against groups of the population, individual citizens or th
eir property in connection with their religious belonging shall apply the penalties stipulated by it.
 
Art. 166. (Suppl., SG 28/82; Amend. SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04; amend. - SG 27/09) Whosoeve
r forms a political organisation on religious grounds or who, through speeches, publications, act or in any ot
her way, uses the church or the religion for propaganda against the state authority or its activities shall be pu
nished by imprisonment of up to three years, unless he is a subject to a more severe penalty.
 
Section III.  
Crime against the political rights of the citizens (Title, amend., SG 1/91)  
Art. 167. (1) (prev. text of art. 167 - SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. - SG 27/09; suppl. 
– SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014; amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever, through violence, fraud, threat or in 
any other illegal way obstructs somebody to exercise his electoral rights or to be elected or to vote in a refer
endum or participate in a petition to hold a referendum, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to three y
ears or by fine from one thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. and suppl. - SG 27/09; suppl. – SG 19/14, i
n force from 05.03.2014; amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever offers or provides another person with material pr
ofit with the purpose of persuading him/her to exercise his/her electoral right in favour of a definite candidat
e, political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a certain way shall be punished by imprisonment 
of one to six years or by fine from ten thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(3) (new – SG 85/07, in force from 23.10.2007; amend. and suppl. - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 17/13; 
suppl. – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014; amend. - SG 74/15) Whoever organizes offering or provision o
f proprietary benefit to another person with the purpose to persuade him to exercise his voting right in favou
r of a certain candidate, political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner shall be 
punished with deprivation of liberty from one up to seven years and with a fine from ten thousand to twenty 
five thousand levs.
(4) (new - SG 27/09; suppl. – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014) The penalty under Para 3 shall b
e imposed also to any person providing material profit to persons under Para 2 and 3 to be offered or given t
o another person with the aim of persuading him to exercise his voting rights in favour of a certain candidate
, political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular way.
(5) (new – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014; amend. - SG 74/15) Where the deed under paras 1 t
o 4 is committed by an official during or on occasion of performance of their duties, shall be punishable by i
mprisonment of two to seven years and a fine of ten thousand to thirty thousand levs.
(6) (new - SG 27/09; prev. text of para 5, amend. – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014) In the case
s under Para 2, 3, 4 and 5 the court shall impose also deprivation of rights under Art. 37, Para 1, Item 6 .
(7) (new – SG 19/08; prev. text of Para 4, suppl. - SG 27/09; prev. text of para 6 – SG 19/14, in forc
e from 05.03.2014) The doer under par. 2 shall not be punished, provided that he/she voluntarily notifies a re
levant instance of authority of a perpetrated offence under par. 3 and 4.
 
Art. 167a.(1) (new – SG 85/07, in force from 23.10.2007; prev. Art. 167a – SG 19/08; amend. - SG 
27/09; suppl. – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014, suppl. - SG 88/20) Whoever requests or receives a prop
rietary benefit in order to exercise his voting right in favour of a certain candidate, political party or coalition
, or to vote in a referendum in a certain way, shall be punished with deprivation of liberty for up to three yea
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.rs or with fine from one thousand to five thousand levs.
(2) (new – SG 19/08; amend. - SG 27/09) The doer shall not be punished, provided that he/she volu
ntarily notifies a relevant instance of authority of a perpetrated offence under Art. 167a, par. 2, 3 or 4 .
 
Art. 168. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; prev. text of art. 167 - SG 75/06, in 
force from 13.10.2006; suppl. – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014) Whosoever exercises an electoral right 
or votes in a referendum without being entitled shall be punished by probation of up to six months or by a fi
ne of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; suppl. – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014) Whos
oever exercises his/her electoral right two or more times in one election or votes twice or more in a referend
um, shall be punished by probation and by a fine of five hundred to two thousand levs.
 
Art. 168a. (1) (new – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014) (1) (amend. - SG 74/15) Whoever, in vio
lation of rules established prints ballots shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of o
ne thousand to three thousand Levs.
(2) The penalty envisaged in para 1 shall also be imposed on those who illegally hold or distribute b
allots.
 
Art. 169. (suppl. – SG 19/14, in force from 05.03.2014; amend. - SG 74/15) An official, as well as 
a member of an election commission, who violates the secret of the vote or in any way whatsoever unmakes 
election or referendum results shall be punished by imprisonment of one to five years.
 
Art. 169a. (New, SG 1/91; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever, by violence, threat or 
in any other illegal way compels somebody, against his convictions or his will, to join or leave a political par
ty, organisation, movement or coalition with a political purpose shall be punished by imprisonment of up to t
hree years or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 169b. (New, SG 1/91; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever, by violence, threat or 
in any other illegal way obstructs somebody to exercise his constitutional political rights shall be punished b
y imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 169c. (New, SG 1/91) If the act under art. 169a  and 169b is committed by an official during or 
on occasion of fulfilment of his official duties, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Art. 169d. (news - SG 27/09) (1) Whoever forms or leads a group, which has the purpose of commi
tting crimes under this Section shall be punished by imprisonment from one to eight years.
(2) Whoever participates in such group shall be punished by imprisonment up to six years.
(3) Any participant in the group who voluntarily surrenders to the authorities, reveals everything he 
knows about the group and thus considerably facilitates the finding and proving of the crimes committed by 
it shall be punished under the conditions of Art. 55.
(4) No penalty shall be imposed on a participant in the group who voluntarily surrenders to the auth
orities and reveals the group before it or he commit another crime under this Section .
 
Section IV.  
Infringing the inviolability of a home, premises or vehicle (Title, amend., SG 28/82)  
Art. 170. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97) (1) Whosoever enters a ho
me of another by using force, threat, subterfuge, legerdemain, misuse of power or special technical devices s
hall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by probation for up to six months.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) If the act under the preceding para is committed at night or by an armed person, or by two or mo
re persons, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to five years.
(3) If the acts under the preceding paras are aimed at a home, vehicle or official premises of a perso
n under international protection, the penalty shall be: under para 1 - imprisonment of one to five years and u
nder para 2 - imprisonment of two to eight years.
(4) Whosoever stays illegally in another's home despite of the explicit invitation to leave it shall be 
punished by imprisonment of up to one year.
 
Section V.  
Infringing the inviolability of the correspondence  
Art. 171. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93) Whosoever illegally:
1. opens, forges, hides or destroys another's letter, telegram, sealed papers, package or the like;
2. (Amend., SG 92/02) takes another's, although opened, letter or telegram with the purpose of lear
ning their contents or, with the same purpose, submit to somebody else another's letter or telegram,
shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred le
vs.
3. (New, SG 92/02) learns an announcement not addressed to him, send by electronic means or dive
rts such an announcement from its addressee.
(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the act is committed by an official who has us
ed his official position, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to two years, and the court can also rule revo
king of a right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(3) (Suppl., SG 92/02, suppl. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever, by using special technical devices, illegall
y accesses to, or learns a message not addressed to him, transmitted by a telephone, telegraph, through a co
mputer network or other telecommunication device, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
(4) (New – SG, 101/17) The punishment under Para. 3 shall also be imposed where subject of the a
ct are computer data, sent in the frames of one or between more information systems, including electric mag
net emissions from an information system.
(5) (new – SG 38/07, former Para. 4, suppl. – SG, 101/17) When the act referred to in para 3 and 4 
has been committed from mercenary motives or considerable damages have been caused, the penalty shall b
e imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 171a. (new – SG 26/10) (1) (amend. - SG 24/15, in force from 31.03.2015) Whoever illegally a
cquires, stores, discloses or distributes traffic data which is being collected, processed, preserved or used acc
ording to the Electronic Communications, Act  shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or p
robation.
(2) In those cases where the act under para 1 has been committed out of mercenary motives, the pen
alty shall be imprisonment from one to six years.
 
Section VI.  
Crime against the employment rights of the citizens  
Art. 172. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; amend. SG 1/91) (1) (amend., SG 10/93; Amend., SG 92/
02) Whosoever deliberately obstructs somebody to occupy a position or compels him to leave the job becaus
e of his nationality, race, religion, social origin, membership or no membership in a trade union or other org
anisation, a political party, organisation, movement or coalition with a political purpose or because of his or 
his next of kin political or other convictions shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by a f
ine of up to five thousand levs.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) An official who does not fulfil an order or an enacted decision for reinstatement of incorrectly d
ischarged worker or employee shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Section VII.  
Crime against the intellectual property (Title, amend., SG 50/95)  
Art. 172a. (New, SG 50/95) (1) (Amend., SG 62/97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006, 
amend. - SG 53/22) Whosoever records, reproduces, circulates, broadcasts or transmits or uses in any other 
way another person’s subject of copyright or related right or copies of it, without the consent of the proprieto
r of the respective right required by the law, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years and by 
a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 62/97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006, amend. - SG 53/22) Whosoe
ver keeps material carriers containing another person’s subject of copyright or related right amounting to hu
ge extent, or keeps a matrix for reproduction of such carriers, shall be punished by imprisonment of two to si
x years and a fine from two thousand to ten thousand levs.
(3) (Amend., SG 62/97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006, amend. - SG 53/22) If the ac
t under para 1 and 2 has been committed again or substantial harmful consequences have been caused, the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years and a fine of three thousand to fifteen thousand levs.
(4) (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In case the act under para 2 is in particularly large e
xtent, the penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years and a fine of ten thousand to fifty thousand lev
s.
(5) (prev. text of para 4 - SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) For minor cases the perpetrator shall 
be punished through administrative channels according to the Copyright and its related rights Act .
(6) (prev. text of para 5 - SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006)The subject of the crime shall be seiz
ed in favour of the state, irregardless of whose property it is, and shall be destroyed.
 
Art. 172b. (New – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) (Amend. and suppl. - SG 53/22) Whoso
ever, without the consent of the owner of the exclusive right, uses in his/her commercial activity a trademark
, invention, utility model, industrial design, variety of a plant or breed of an animal, subject of this exclusive 
right, or uses a geographic name or its imitation without legal ground, shall be punished by imprisonment fr
om one to six years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
(2) (Amend. - SG 53/22) In case the act under para 1 has been committed repeatedly or substantial 
harmful consequences have occurred, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to eight years and a fine fro
m ten thousand to fifteen thousand levs.
(3) The subject of the crime shall be seized in favour of the state, irregardless whose property it is a
nd shall be destroyed.
 
Art. 173. (1) (Amend. - SG 10/93; amend. - SG 92/02, amend. - SG 53/22) Whosoever issues or use
s under his name or under a pseudonym another's work of science, literature or art, or a substantial part of su
ch a work, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by a fine of one hundred to three hundr
ed levs, as well as by public reprimand.
(2) (Amend., SG 81/99) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who present for registration or 
register in his name another's invention, utility model or industrial design.
(3) (New - SG 53/22) When the deed under Para. 1 was comitted on the internet or significant harm
ful consequences were caused. the punishment shall be imprisonment for up to six years and a fine of up to t
en thousand levs.
 
Art. 174. (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 81/99; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever, by abusing his authority, j
oins as a co-author of an invention, utility model or industrial design or of a work of science, literature or art
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г., without having participated in the creative work for its creation, shall be punished by imprisonment of up t
o two years or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, as well as by public reprimand.
 
Section VIII.  
Crime against the freedom of the meetings, rallies and manifestations  
Art. 174a. (1) Whosoever, by force, fraud, threat, or in any other illegal way, disrupts or obstructs a 
meeting, a rally or a manifestation admissible by the Meetings, rallies and manifestations Act, shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) An organiser who, in violation of art. 12, para 3  and art. 13, para 1 of the Act on Meetings, 
Rallies and Parades , holds or continue to hold disrupted meeting, rally or manifestation shall be punished b
y imprisonment of up to one year.
 
Special provision  
Art. 175. (Amend., SG 28/82; suppl., SG 62/97; Amend., SG 92/02) (1) (Suppl. - SG 53/22) Crimin
al prosecution shall be instituted at the complaint of the victim for crimes under art. 170, para 1 and 4 , art. 
171, para 1 , Art. 172, para 2  and art. 173, Para. 1 and 2 .
(2) (Amend. – SG 19/08) For crimes under Art. 172, para 1  and art. 174 criminal prosecution shal
l be instituted upon a complaint of the aggrieved to the prosecution and it cannot be terminated at his request
.
 
Chapter four.  
CRIME AGAINST THE MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND YOUTH  
Section I.  
Crime against the marriage and family  
Art. 176. (1) Whosoever, in entering matrimony, deliberately conceals from the registrar's official a 
legal obstacle for the marriage shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) A registrar's official who officiates a wedding k
nowing that there is a legal obstacle for the marriage, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years
, and the court can also rule revoking of a right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(3) (Revoked, SG 51/00)
 
Art. 177. (Amend. - SG 16/19) (1) Whoever forces another person into marriage by using violence, 
threats, or misusing power, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years.
(2) The penalty under Para. 1 shall also be imposed on any person who kidnaps another person in o
rder to force them to marry.
(3) The penalty under Para. 1 shall also be imposed on any person who, in order to force another int
o marriage, misleads them into crossing onto the territory of another country.
(4) The penalty under Para. 1 shall also be imposed on any person who, in any way whatsoever, inc
ites someone - unable to understand the nature and significance of the act - to marry or to travel to the territo
ry of another state with the aim of coercing them into forced marriage.
(5) The penalty shall be imprisonment from three to eight years, where the act under the preceding 
paragraphs has been committed:
1. by a parent, other relative or guardian;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.2. towards a minor;
3. towards two or more persons;
4. with self-serving motives.
 
Art. 178. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) A parent or other relative who rece
ives ransom in order to permit entering matrimony by his daughter or a relative shall be punished by impriso
nment of up to one year or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, as well as by public reprimand.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who gives or mediates in the giving and receipt of s
uch a ransom.
 
Art. 179. (1) Whosoever, in the presence of a legal marriage, concludes another, shall be punished f
or polygamy by imprisonment of up to three years.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed to those who enter into marriage with a person of whom he/s
he knows that he/she is legally married.
(3) If the first marriage is annulled or if it is dissolved on other grounds, the penalty shall be impris
onment of up to one year or probation.
 
Art. 180. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked SG 1/91)
 
Art. 181. Whosoever reneges his/her obligation to a spouse, ascendant or descendant, unable to take 
care of himself, thus putting him in a situation of a serious hardship, unless the act represents a more serious 
crime, shall be punished by probation, as well as by public reprimand.
 
Art. 182. (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) A parent or a guardian who leaves a person under parental care o
r guardianship without supervision and enough care, thus creating a danger for his physical, mental or moral 
development, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years, as well as by public reprimand.
(2) (New, SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 26/10, аmend. - SG 16/19
) A parent or another relative who does not fulfil, or in any other way obstructs the fulfilment of a court rulin
g regarding the exercising of parental rights or regarding personal contacts with a child, shall be punished by 
probation and a fine from BGN 2 000 to 5 000, and in particularly grave cases - by imprisonment of up to si
x months and a fine from BGN 5 000 to 10 000.
(3) (New, SG 28/82) The perpetrator shall not be punished if, after a warning by a respective body 
of the authority, fulfils the ruling or removes the obstacles for its fulfilment. This provision shall not apply r
epeatedly.
 
Art. 182a. (new, SG 26/04) (1) (amend. – SG 26/10)Whosoever, for the purpose of material profit p
ersuades, through a donation, promise, threat or malpractice, to abandon his child or give consent for its ado
ption, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to two thousand levs.
(2) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on the one who persuades a minor person to giv
e consent for his adoption where the law so requires.
(3) Whosoever, for the purpose of illegal material profit, intercedes between a person and a family 
wishing to adopt a child, and a parent wishing to abandon his child, or a woman accepting to carry in her wo
mb a child for the purpose of giving it for adoption, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years an
d a fine of up to three thousand levs.
(4) If the act under para 3 is repeated, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a f
ine of up to four thousand levs.
 
Art. 182b. (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) A female person, who gives a consent fo
r the sale of her child in the country or abroad, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years and a f
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.ine of five thousand to fifteen thousand levs.
(2) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on a pregnant woman, who gives a consent for t
he sale of her child prior to its birth.
 
Art. 183. (1) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 28/82; Amend. SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04; suppl. – SG 47/
09, in force from 01.10.2009) Whosoever, being convicted to support his/her spouse, ascendant, descendant, 
brother or sister, does not fulfil his obligation deliberately to the extent of two or more monthly payments, s
hall be punished with up to one year of imprisonment or with probation.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who intentionally puts himself in disability of provi
ding support, by either transferring his/her property, by not exercising his/her rights or in any other way.
(3) (New, SG 28/82) The perpetrator shall not be punished if, before the ruling of the verdict by the 
first instance, he/she fulfils the obligation and other harmful consequences have not occurred for the aggriev
ed. This provision shall not apply repeatedly.
(4) (Amend. SG 92/02)If the act under para 1 and 2 is committed again, the penalty shall be impriso
nment of up to two years or probation, as well as public reprimand.
 
Art. 184. (1) Whosoever deliberately replaces, hides or exposes a young child or in any other way c
onceals or replaces the civic status of somebody shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If this is accomplished from mercenary moti
ves, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 185. (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever unwarrantedly takes in or retains another's child who 
has not accomplished fourteen years of age and does not inform immediately the authorities or does not retur
n him to his parents or guardian shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 26/10) If this has been accompl
ished by force, threat or fraud, or by intention of using the child for mercenary or profligate purposes, the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment from one to six years and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 186. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever takes i
n an exposed or astray child younger than seven years of age and does not inform about that immediately the 
authorities, the parents or guardian shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Section II.  
Crime against the youth  
Art. 187. (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever tortures a minor or underage person placed under his car
e or whose bringing up is assigned to him, unless the act represents a more serious crime, shall be punished 
by imprisonment of up to three years or by probation, as well as by public reprimand.
 
Art. 188. (amend. - SG 74/15) (1) Anyone inducing a person under the age of 18 to commit a crime 
by using force or by taking advantage of dependency or supervision relations shall be punished by imprison
ment of up to five years.
(2) The penalty referred to in Para 1 shall be imposed also to anyone inducing a person under the ag
e of 18 to prostitution by using force or by taking advantage of dependency or supervision relations.
(3) If as a result of an act under Para 1 or 2 harmful consequences have occurred for the physical, m
ental or moral development of the aggrieved, unless the act represents a more serious crime, the penalty shal
l be imprisonment of one to six years and public reprimand.
(4) If the act under Para 2 was committed with regard to a person under the age of 14, the penalty s
hall be imprisonment of one to ten years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(5) In the cases of Para 1 - 4 the court may impose also deprivation of a right under Art. 37, Para 1
, Items 6 or 7 .
 
Art. 189. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 27/09) Whosoever systematicall
y employs for mendicancy a person under his care shall be punished by imprisonment of one year or by a fin
e of one thousand to three thousand levs.
(2) If the perpetrator is a parent or a guardian of the victim, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up 
to two years or probation, as well as public reprimand.
 
Art. 190. (Amend. - SG 103/04, in force from 01.01.2005, amend. - SG 16/19) (1) Whoever, by usi
ng violence, threats, or misusing power, forces another person to live together with somebody shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of one to six years.
(2) The penalty under Para. 1 shall also be imposed on any person who kidnaps someone in order to 
force them to live together with someone.
(3) The penalty under Para. 1 shall also be imposed on any person who, in order to force someone t
o live together with them or with another person, misleads them to cross into the territory of another country
.
(4) The penalty under Para. 1 shall also be imposed on any person who, in any way whatsoever, inc
ites someone - unable to understand the nature and significance of the act - to live together with another pers
on.
(5) The penalty shall be imprisonment from three to eight years, where the act under the preceding 
paragraphs has been committed:
1. by a parent, other relative or guardian;
2. towards a minor;
3. towards two or more persons;
4. with self-serving motives.
 
Art. 191. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82) (1) An adult who, without having entered into matrimony, 
begins a connubial life with a female person who has not accomplished 16 years of age, shall be punished by 
imprisonment of up to two years or by probation, as well as by public reprimand.
(2) An adult who persuades or facilitates an underage male or female person, who has not accompli
shed 16 years of age, to lead a connubial life without a marriage, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 
two years or by probation.
(3) (Amend., SG 89/86) If the act under the preceding paras has been committed against a person w
ho has not accomplished 14 years of age, the penalty shall be imprisonment of two to five years.
(4) (Previous Para. 3, amend. - SG 28/1982, in force from 01.07.1982, repealed - SG 16/19)
 
Art. 192. (1) (Prev. text of art. 192; amend., SG 28/82, SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02 ; amend. – SG 
26/10) A parent or another relative who receives a ransom in order to permit to his daughter or relative unde
r 16 years of age to lead a connubial life with another shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years 
or by a fine of up to three hundred BGN.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who gives or mediates in the givi
ng of such a ransom.
 
Art. 192a. (new, SG 26/04) (1) (amend. - SG 27/09) Whosoever, without a proper permit, employs 
a person under 18 years of age shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of one thou
sand to three thousand BGN.
(2) (amend. - SG 27/09) If the act under para 1 has been committed regarding a person under 16 ye
ars of age, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one year and a fine of three thousand to five thousand BGN.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) (amend. - SG 27/09) If the act under para 1 is repeated, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up 
to one year and a fine of two thousand to give thousand levs, and under para 2 – imprisonment of up to three 
years and a fine of three thousand to eight thousand BGN.
 
Art. 193. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86; SG 10/93) (1) (Amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever intoxicates 
by alcoholic beverages a person under 18 years of age, or a mentally impaired person, shall be punished by i
mprisonment of up to six months or by a fine of up to five hundred BGN.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 27/09) Whosoever sells alcoholic beverages to a person under 
18 years of age, or to a mentally impaired person, for their personal use, shall be punished by a fine of up to 
one thousand BGN and by probation, and if they systematically do that - by imprisonment of up to three yea
rs and a fine of up to three thousand BGN.
 
SPECIAL PROVISION  
Art. 193a. (New, SG 62/97; Amend., SG 92/02; suppl., SG 26/04 ; revoked – SG 26/10, new - SG 1
6/19) For any criminal offence under Art. 182, Para. 2 , the criminal prosecution shall be initiated following 
a complaint by the victim.
 
Chapter five.  
CRIME AGAINST THE PROPERTY (Title, amend., SG 10/93)  
Section I.  
Larceny 
Art. 194. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93) Whosoever deforces another's chattel from his possession withou
t his consent in order to misappropriate it shall be punished for larceny by imprisonment of up to eight years.
(2) Larceny shall be qualified even when a part of the chattel belongs to the culprit.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) In minor cases the penalty shall be imprison
ment of up to one year or probation, or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 195. (1) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93) The penalty for larceny shall be imprisonment 
of one to ten years:
1. if committed at the time of fire, flooding, ship wreck, catastrophe, war or other social calamity;
2. if the stolen chattel is not under permanent supervision;
3. if it has been committed through destruction, damaging or undermining barriers solidly erected f
or protection of persons or property;
4. if a vehicle, a technical device or special means have been used for the larceny;
5. if it has been committed by two or more persons who have agreed in advance for its fulfilment, 
when it does not represent a minor case;
6. if the larceny has been committed by an official who has taken advantage of his official status, an
d
7. in non-minor cases if committed for a second time;
8. if the larceny has been committed from a deceased grave;
9. (New, SG 62/97) if the larceny has been committed by a person under art. 142, para 2, item 6 a
nd 8.
10. (new, SG 26/04; amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) if subject of the theft are explosi
ves, pyrotechnic devices, weapons or ammunition for firearms;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.11. (new – SG, 101/17) if the theft is with the purpose of seeking for funds for committing a crime 
under Art. 108a, Para. 1, 2, 6 or 7 .
12. (new – SG 7/19) if the object of the theft is a motor vehicle.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93, amend. SG 103/04) The penalty for a grand larceny shall be imp
risonment of three to fifteen years, and the court can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of 
the culprit.
(3) (new, SG 26/04; amend. – SG 102/06; amend. – SG 102/08; amend. and suppl. – SG 93/09, in f
orce from 25.12.2009; amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011; amend. - SG 79/15, in force from 01.1
1.2015) The penalty under para 2 shall also be imposed for theft of explosives, firearms or ammunition for fi
rearms from the structural units of the Ministry of Interior, from the Ministry of Defence, from the Bulgarian 
army, from the structures subordinated to the Minister of Defence and from State Agency "State reserve and 
war-time reserves" from the State Agency for National Security, from Directorate General “Security” and C
hief Directorate "Execution of Judgement" at the Ministry of Justice, from the State Intelligence Agency and 
the National Security Office.
(4) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; prev. para 3 – SG 26/04) In minor cases acco
rding to item 2 and 6 of para 1 the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation, or a fine of 
one hundred to three hundred levs.
(5) (prev. para 4 – amend., SG 26/04, amend. – SG 7/19) The penalty for preparation for larceny un
der para 1, item 3, 4 анд 12 shall be imprisonment of up to three years or probation.
 
Art. 196. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93) The penalty for larceny representing a dangerous recidivism shall 
be:
1. in the cases of art. 194, para 1  - imprisonment of two to ten years;
2. (suppl., SG 26/04) in the cases of art. 195, para 1 and 2  - imprisonment of three to fifteen years, 
and in the cases under art. 195, para 3  – imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(2) (Amend. SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) The court can rule a confiscation of up to one half of th
e property of the culprit.
 
Art. 196a. (New, SG 89/86; amend., SG 10/93; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) For a 
grand larceny, representing a particularly serious case, the penalty shall be imprisonment of ten to twenty ye
ars and confiscation of the whole or a part of the property of the culprit.
 
Art. 197. If, until the conclusion of the court investigation of the first instance court, the chattel is re
turned or replaced, the penalty shall be:
1. in the cases of art. 194, para 1  - imprisonment of up to five years;
2. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04) in the cases of art. 194, p
ara 3 and art. 195, para 4  - probation or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs;
3. (Amend., SG 89/86) in the cases of art. 195, para 1, item 2 - 6  - imprisonment of up to eight yea
rs;
4. (Amend., SG 89/86) in the cases of art. 195, para 2 , in connection with art. 194 or with art. 195
, para 1, item 2 - 6  - imprisonment of up to eight years;
5. (New, SG 89/86) in the cases of art. 196a  - imprisonment of eight to twenty years.
 
Art. 197a. (New, SG 89/86; revoked, SG 10/93)
 
Section II.  
Robbery 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 198. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93) Whosoever deforces chattel from another's possession with an int
ention of misappropriation, using for that purpose force or threat, shall be punished for robbery by imprison
ment of three to ten years.
(2) Understood as threat shall be intimidation by such a direct act which exposes to a serious dange
r the life, the health, the honour or the property of the threatened person or of some other present person.
(3) Robbery is every larceny where the found at the scene of the crime uses force or threat in order t
o keep in possession the stolen chattel.
(4) Robbery shall be a fact where, in order to deforce the chattel, the person has been brought to un
consciousness or in a helpless state.
 
Art. 199. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93) For robbery of possessions:
1. in large size;
2. committed by two or more persons who have agreed in advance to commit larceny or robbery;
3. accompanied by a serious or average bodily harm;
4. representing a dangerous recidivism, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years, w
hereas the court can also rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of the culprit, and in the cases 
of item 4 - it can also rule probation for up to five years;
5. (New, SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) committed by a person acting by an order or in fulfilment o
f a decision of an organised criminal group.
(*) (amend. SG 103/04) the penalty shall be imprisonment from five to fifteen years and the court c
an order confiscation of up to one half of the property of the culprit.
(2) (Amend. and suppl., SG 89/86; amend., SG 10/93; suppl., SG 50/95) For robbery of chattel:
1. accompanied by a serious or average bodily harm as a result of which death has followed;
2. accompanied by homicide or attempted homicide;
3. in particularly large size, if the perpetrator has been armed,
(Amend., SG 153/98) the penalty shall be imprisonment of fifteen to twenty years, life imprisonme
nt or life imprisonment without parole. The court can also rule confiscation of the whole or a part of the prop
erty of the culprit.
 
Art. 200. The penalty for preparation of robbery under art. 198 shall be imprisonment of up to two 
years, and under art. 199 - imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Section III.  
Misappropriation  
Art. 201. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; suppl., SG 50/95: Decision No 19 of the Cons
titutional Court - SG 97/95; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006, previous text of Art. 201 - SG 83/
19) An official who misappropriates another's money, possessions or other valuables, delivered to him as su
ch or entrusted him for keeping or managing, shall be punished for misappropriation in public office by impr
isonment of up to eight years, whereas the court can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of 
the culprit and deprive him of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(2) (New – 83/19) The penalty under Para. 1 shall also be imposed when the act is committed by a f
oreign official.
 
Art. 202. (1) The penalty for misappropriation in public office shall be imprisonment of one to ten 
years:
1. if, in order to facilitate it, another crime has been committed as well, for which the law does not s
tipulate a more severe penalty;
2. (Amend., SG 28/82) if it has been committed by two or more persons who have conspired in adv
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.ance.
(2) The penalty for misappropriation in public office shall be imprisonment of three to fifteen years
:
1. (Amend., SG 92/02) if it is in large size,
2. (Amend., SG 92/02) if it represents a dangerous recidivism or
3. (New, SG 92/02) if the misappropriated resources are of funds belonging to the European Union 
or submitted by the European Union to the Bulgarian state.
(3) (Suppl., SG 28/82; Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) In the cases of the preceding paras t
he court shall deprive the culprit of rights according to art. 37, para 1, items 6 and 7 . The court can also rul
e confiscation under para 1 up to one second, and under para 2 - of a part or of the entire property of the culp
rit.
 
Art. 203. (1) (Amend., SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty for mi
sappropriation in public office in particularly large size, representing a particularly serious case, shall be imp
risonment of ten to twenty years.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02) The court shall rule confiscation of the whole or a part of the property of th
e culprit and shall deprive him of rights according to art. 37, para 1 item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 204. In minor cases of misappropriation in public office the penalty shall be:
a) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) under art. 201 - imprisonment of up to one ye
ar or probation, or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs;
b) under art. 202, para 1  - imprisonment of up to two years or probation.
 
Art. 205. (1) If the misappropriated money, possessions or valuables are deposited or replaced until 
the conclusion of the court investigation in the first instance court, the penalty shall be:
1. (Amend., SG 28/82) in the cases under art. 201 - imprisonment of up to five years;
2. (Amend., SG 28/82) in the cases under art. 202, para 1  - imprisonment of one to seven years;
3. in the cases under art. 202, para 2  - imprisonment of three to ten years;
4. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86) in the cases under art. 203 - imprisonment of eight to twenty yea
rs;
5. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) in the cases under art. 204, letter "a"  - proba
tion or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs;
6. in the cases under art. 204, letter "b"  - imprisonment of up to six months or probation.
(2) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases of item 2, 3 and 4 
of the preceding para the court shall also rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 , 
as in the cases of item 3 it can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of the culprit, and in the 
cases of item 4 it shall rule confiscation of a part or of the whole property.
 
Art. 206. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93 ; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever misappropriates anot
her's chattel, which he possesses or keeps, shall be punished for misappropriation by imprisonment from one 
to six years.
(2) (Suppl., SG 92/02) Misappropriation shall also exist when a part of the possession belongs to th
e perpetrator, as well as when the possession belongs to the perpetrator but it is encumbered by a pawn and t
he perpetrator administers it illegally, without preserving the rights of the pawn creditor, or when the perpetr
ator pawns another's possession which makes it difficult to indemnify the creditor.
(3) (New, SG 28/82; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the misappropriation is of a l
arge size or represents a dangerous recidivism, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years, and t
he court shall deprive the culprit from rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7  and can rule confisc
ation of a part or of his whole property.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(4) (New, SG 28/82; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty for misappropriati
on of particularly large size, representing a particularly serious case, shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen 
years, whereas the court shall also rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7  and con
fiscation of a part or of the entire property of the culprit.
(5) (Prev. para 3 - amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) In minor cases the penalty shall 
be imprisonment of up to one year or probation, or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(6) (Prev. para 4 - amend., SG 28/82) If the misappropriated property is returned or replaced until t
he conclusion of the court investigation of the first instance court, the penalty shall be:
1. under para 1 - imprisonment of up to three years;
2. under para 3 - imprisonment of two to eight years;
3. under para 4 - imprisonment of three to twelve years;
4. (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) under para 5 - probation or a fine of one hundred to three 
hundred levs.
(7) (New, SG 28/82; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases of item 2 of the pre
ceding para the court can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of the culprit and deprive him 
of rights according to art. 37, Para. 1, item 6 and 7 , and in the cases of item 3 - rule confiscation of a part o
r the whole property of the culprit and revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 207. (Amend., SG 28/82; corr., SG 31/82; amend., SG 10/93) (1) (Amend., SG 92/02) Whosoe
ver finds another's chattel and, within a week, he does not inform about it the owner, the authorities or those 
who have lost it, shall be punished by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who misappropriate another's possession which has 
been found by him accidentally or by mistake.
 
Art. 208. (Amend., SG 92/02) (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend., SG 2
6/04; amend. - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04.2009) Whosoever discovers a treasure and, within seven days, 
he does not inform the authorities shall be punished by probation or fine of five hundred to one thousand lev
s.
(2) (New, SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04; amend. - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04
.2009) Whosoever, when seeking, discovers a treasure and does not inform the authorities within two weeks 
shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by a fine of one thousand to five thousand levs.
(3) (Prev. para 2 - amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04) If the treasure is of par
ticularly large size, the penalty shall be: under para 1 - imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of five thou
sand to ten thousand levs, and under para 2 - imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of five thousand to te
n thousand levs.
(4) (new - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04.2009) Where the treasure contains a cultural valuable or t
he act under Para 1 - 3 is repeated, the penalty shall be: under Para 1 - imprisonment up to two years and fin
e up to five thousand levs, under Para 2 - imprisonment up to five years and fine from five thousand to ten th
ousand levs, and under Para 3 - imprisonment from one to six years and fine from ten thousand to twenty tho
usand levs.
(5) (new - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04.2009) Where the act under Para 2 - 4 is committed by com
mission or by performing the decision of an organized criminal group or represents dangerous recidivism, th
e penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years and fine from ten thousand to thirty thousand levs.
(6) (new, SG 26/04; prev. text of Para 04 - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04.2009) The subject of the 
crime shall be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missing or alienated, its equivalence shall be adjudged
.
 
Section IV.  
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Fraud 
Art. 209. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93 ; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever, with the purpose of 
obtaining for himself or for somebody else property benefit, arises or maintains aberration in somebody, thu
s causing him or somebody else property damage shall be punished for fraud by imprisonment from one to s
ix years.
(2) (Amend., SG 10/93 ; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever, with the same purpose, uses the aberratio
n, the lack of experience or lack of information of somebody else, thus causing him or somebody else proper
ty damage, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
(3) In minor cases under the preceding paras the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or 
probation.
 
Art. 210. (1) The penalty for fraud shall be imprisonment of one to eight years.
1. if the perpetrator has presented himself as an official or as a person acting by an errand of the aut
hority;
2. (Amend., SG 28/82) if it has been committed by two or more persons who have conspired in adv
ance its committing;
3. (suppl., SG 26/04) if the fraud has been committed by an official or by a proxy within the scope 
of his competence or authorisation, or by a person who directly carries out, by profession, transactions with f
oreign currency in cash;
4. if it is repeated in non-minor cases;
5. (New, SG 28/82) if the caused damage is large in size.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) In the cases of item 4 and 5 the court can rule confiscation of up to one second 
of the property of the culprit.
 
Art. 211. (Suppl., SG 28/82; SG 10/93, amend. SG 103/04) If the fraud under art. 209, para 1 and 
2 and under art. 210 is of a particularly large size, representing a particularly serious case or a dangerous rec
idivism, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years. The court can rule confiscation of up to one 
second of the property of the culprit.
 
Art. 212. (Suppl., SG 95/75; amend., SG 28/82) (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend. – SG 26/10) Whos
oever, by using a document of false contents or inauthentic or forged document, obtains without legal groun
ds chattel or real estate with an intention of misappropriating it, shall be punished by imprisonment from one 
to eight years.
(2) (amend. and suppl. - SG 27/09) The penalty under Para 1 shall also be imposed of those who, b
y preparing a document with false content or of an inauthentic or forged document, deliberately enables anot
her individual or legal person to obtain, without legal grounds, such property.
(3) (New, SG 92/02) When the property is of funds belonging to the European Union or submitted 
by them to the Bulgarian state, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years.
(4) (Prev. para 3 - SG 92/02) If the property under the preceding paras is of a large size or if the act 
represents a dangerous recidivism, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to fifteen years.
(5) (Prev para 4 - SG 92/02) For documentary fraud of particularly large size, representing a particu
larly serious case, the penalty shall be imprisonment of ten to twenty years.
(6) (Prev. para 5 - SG 92/02) In minor cases under para 1 and 2 the penalty shall be imprisonment o
f up to two years or probation.
(7) (Prev. para 6 - SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. - SG 27/09) In t
he cases of para 1 the court can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of the culprit and depri
ve him of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 , and in the cases of para 3, 4 and 5 it shall rule c
onfiscation of a part or of the whole property of the culprit and shall deprive him of rights according to art. 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 212a. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. - SG 38/07) Whosoever, for the purpose of obtaining for hi
mself or for another benefit, excites or maintains deception in somebody by entering, changing, deleting or o
bliterating computer data or uses another's electronic signature, thus causing him or some one else damage, s
hall be punished for computer fraud by imprisonment from one to six years and a fine of up to six thousand l
evs.
(2) (amend. - SG 38/07) The same penalty shall be imposed on one who, without having right, enter
s, changes, deletes or obliterates computer data in order to obtain something which is not due to him.
 
Art. 212b. (New, SG 28/82; Prev. art. 212a - SG 92/02) (1) If the property obtained according to ar
t. 212 is returned or replaced until the conclusion of the court investigation of the first instance court, the pe
nalty shall be:
1. under para 1 and 2 - imprisonment of up to five years;
2. under para 3 - imprisonment of two to eight years;
3. (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) under para 4 and 5 - imprisonment of five to fiftee
n years;
4. (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) under par
a 6 - probation or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases under item 2 of the preceding para t
he court can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of the culprit and deprive him of rights acc
ording to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 , and under item 3 - rule confiscation of a part or of the whole propert
y of the culprit and deprive him of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 213. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever demolishes, damages or de
stroys with a fraudulent purpose his insured property shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years 
and by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Section V.  
Extortion  
Art. 213a. (New, SG 62/97) (1) Whosoever, with a purpose of forcing another to administer a posse
ssion or his right, or undertake proprietary liability, threatens him by violence, divulging defamatory matter, 
damaging of the property or other illegal act with serious consequences for him or his relatives, shall be puni
shed by imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of one thousand to three thousand levs.
(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years and a fine of three thousand to five tho
usand levs if the act was:
1. accompanied by a threat of murder or serious bodily harm;
2. accompanied by causing light corporal body;
3. accompanied by seizure, destruction or damaging of property;
4. perpetrated by two or more persons;
5. perpetrated by a person under art. 142, para 2, item 6 and 8 ;
6. committed by an armed person;
7. repeated in non-minor cases.
(3) The penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years and a fine of five thousand to ten thou
sand levs, whereas the court can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of the perpetrator if:
1. average or light bodily harm has been caused, unless a more severe penalty is stipulated for the c
ommitted crime;
2. substantial property damages have been caused;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.3. the act has been committed by an organisation or a group or by an order of a person, organisation 
or group;
4. the act has been accompanied by an explosion or arson;
5. the act has been committed by or with the participation of an official;
6. the act has been committed against an official in connection with his office;
7. the act represents a dangerous recidivism.
(4) (Amend., SG 153/98) The penalty shall be imprisonment of fifteen to twenty years or life impris
onment, or life imprisonment without parole, whereas the court can rule confiscation of a part or of the whol
e property of the perpetrator if the act was:
1. accompanied by a serious or average bodily harm as a result of which death has followed;
2. accompanied by murder or attempted murder.
 
Art. 214. (Amend., SG 10/93; amend. and suppl., SG 50/95) (1) (Amend., SG 62/97) Whosoever, w
ith the purpose of obtaining for himself or for somebody else a property benefit compels somebody by force 
or threat to commit, to miss or sustain something against his will, thus causing him or somebody else a prop
erty damage, shall be punished for extortion by imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of one thousand 
to three thousand levs, whereas the court can impose a confiscation of up to one second of the property of th
e perpetrator.
(2) (Amend., SG 62/97) The penalty for extortion under the conditions of art. 213a, para 2, 3 and 
4 shall be:
1. under para 2 - imprisonment of two to ten years and a fine of four thousand to six thousand levs, 
whereas the court can rule confiscation of up to one second of the property of the perpetrator;
2. under para 3 - imprisonment of five to fifteen years, a fine of five thousand to ten thousand levs a
nd confiscation of up to one second of the property of the perpetrator;
3. (amend., SG 153/98) (Amend., SG 153/98) under para 4 - imprisonment of fifteen to twenty year
s, life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole and confiscation of no less than one second of the p
roperty of the perpetrator.
(3) The penalty for extortion shall be from five to fifteen years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 
five hundred levs, whereas the court can rule confiscation of up to one second part of the property of the cul
prit if:
1. it has been accompanied by a serious or average bodily harm;
2. the act represents a dangerous recidivism.
 
Art. 214a. (New, SG 62/97) For preparation of a crime under art. 213a  and 214 the penalty shall be 
imprisonment of one to three years.
 
Section VI.  
Constructive Theft  
Art. 215. (1) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; suppl., SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoe
ver, with the purpose of providing for himself or for somebody else property benefit, receives, acquires or as
sists the appropriation of another's chattel, for which he knows or supposes that they have been acquired by 
another by means of a crime or other socially dangerous act, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to 
six years, but by a penalty which is not more serious than the provided for the crime itself.
(2) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10) The penalty shall be i
mprisonment of three to ten years and a fine of five thousand to ten thousand levs if the constructive theft:
1. is in a large size;
2. concerns possessions under special regime;
3. is committed by profession;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.4. is repeated or represents a dangerous recidivism.
 
Section VII.  
Destruction and Damaging  
Art. 216. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93) Whosoever destroys or damages illegally another's chattel or thin
gs real shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
(2) (New, SG 92/02) Whosoever destroys, runs down or damages his mortgaged or pawned propert
y shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to two thousand levs.
(3) (New, SG 92/02, amend. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever, by unwarranted access to an information sy
stem of importance for an enterprise, corporate body or individual, destroys or damages another's property, s
hall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
(4) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; Prev. para 2 - SG 92/02) In minor cases the penalty shall be imp
risonment of up to six months or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(5) (Suppl., SG 62/97; Prev. para 3 - SG 92/02; amend. and suppl., SG 26/04) If substantial damage
s have been caused or other serious consequences have occurred or if the act has been committed by a perso
n under art. 142, para 2, item 6 and 8 , or if the act is related to a destruction or damaging of elements of th
e telecommunication network, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to ten years, whereas the court can al
so rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(6) (Amend., SG 10/93; Prev para 4 - amend., SG 92/02) If the act under para 1, 2, 3 and 5 has been 
committed by negligence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of one hundred to th
ree hundred levs.
 
Art. 216a. (new, SG 26/04) (1) (amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whosoever, himself 
or through another, illegally breaks the integrity of facilities or sites of electric transfer or electric distributio
n network, of gas transport or heat transfer system, of a system for transfer of liquid fuel, or of a water suppl
y or sewage system, thus creating conditions for diverting electric power, natural gas, liquid fuel, heating po
wer or water, or discharge of sewage water, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fin
e of up to twenty thousand levs.
(2) (amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) If the act under para 1 is repeated, the penalty sh
all be imprisonment of one to ten years and a fine of up to thirty thousand levs.
 
Section VIII.  
Abuse of Confidence (Title amend., SG 10/93)  
Art. 217. (Amend., SG 10/93) (1) (Amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever deliberately damages another's p
roperty entrusted to him for keeping or management shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years 
or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on a representative or a proxy who deliberately acts against t
he legal interests of the represented person.
(3) (New, SG 92/02) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on the one who abuses distress
ed or pawned possession left with him for keeping.
(4) (Prev. para 3 - SG 92/02; amend., SG 92/02) If, as a result of the above acts, substantial or irrep
arable damages have occurred, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of one hundr
ed to three hundred levs.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.SPECIAL PROVISION  
Art. 218. (Revoked, SG 10/93)
 
Additional provisions  
(Title amend., SG 28/82)  
Art. 218a. (New, SG 89/79; amend., SG 89/86; revoked SG 10/93)
 
Art. 218b. (New, SG 28/82) (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97; SG 21/00; Amend., SG 92/02; ame
nd., SG 26/04; amend. – SG 26/10) For acts under art. 194, para 3 , art. 195, para 4 , art. 204, letter "a" , a
rt. 206, para 1 and 5  and art. 207, as well as for constructive theft related to them, when the value of the ob
ject is up to the sum of two minimum wages for the state, established by the date the act has been committed
, the penalty shall be a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, imposed through administrative channels, i
f the subject of the crime is restored or replaced.
(2) The provision of the preceding para shall not apply if:
1. (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97; SG 21/00) the perpetrator, in the course of one year, has committ
ed two or more acts, the total value of their subject exceeds one hundred and fifty levs;
2. the perpetrator has been convicted for such a crime, as well as if he has been given administrativ
e penalty for such an act and one year has not elapsed from its commission;
3. (amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) the subject of the act is a firearm, ammunition for 
firearm, explosives, poisonous or narcotic substances, pyrotechnics, combat and other special equipment.
 
Art. 218c. (New, SG 89/86; amend., SG 10/93; Amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 26/10) A criminal 
prosecution shall be instituted upon a complaint lodged by the affected person in the following cases:
1. in relation to crimes under Art. 216, paras 4 and 6  and Art. 217, para 1 and 2 , where subject of 
the crime is private property;
2. theft, misappropriation, fraud and extortion if the affected person is a spouse, ascendant, descend
ant or lateral branch of the family up to a second degree of the culprit, or lives with him in one household, or 
if the said person is a guardian or trustee of the culprit.
 
Chapter six.  
OFFENCE AGAINST THE ECONOMY  
Section I.  
GENERAL PROPERTY OFFENCES  
Art. 219. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10) An official who does not take eno
ugh care for the management, administration, handling or preservation of the entrusted property, as well as f
or the assigned job, thus causing a substantial damage, destruction or squandering of the property or other co
nsiderable damages to the enterprise or to the economy shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years 
and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 28/82; SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever, despite of his obliga
tions, have not exercised sufficient control over the work of persons to whom the management, the administr
ation or the accounting of the public property is assigned, and this have caused substantial damages to the en
terprise or to the economy, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to five thou
sand levs.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) If the act under the precedi
ng paras has been committed deliberately and does not contain the elements of a major offence, the penalty s
hall be imprisonment from two to eight years, whereas the court can rule revoking of right according to art. 
37, para1, item 6 .
(4) (New, SG 28/82; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) For offenc
es under the preceding paras to a particularly great extent, representing a particularly grave case, the penalty 
shall be: under para 1 and 2 - imprisonment of one to five years and under para 3 - imprisonment from three 
to twelve years, as in these cases the court shall also rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, ite
m 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 220. (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) An official who d
eliberately concludes unprofitable transaction, thus causing a substantial damage to the economy or to the es
tablishment, enterprise or organisation he represents, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six yea
rs, whereas the court can rule revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(2) (New, SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) In particul
arly grave cases under the preceding para, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years, whereas t
he court can also rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(3) (New, SG 62/97, revoked SG 101/01)
 
Art. 221. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked, SG 1/91)
 
Art. 221a. (New, SG 27/73; amend., SG 28/82; corr., SG 31/82; amend., SG 86/91; corr., SG 90/91; 
amend. SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) (1) Whosoever orders or, in violation of his obligations, admits the tak
ing and using for construction and for other non-agricultural needs not alienated or not submitted by the esta
blished order farm land or pastures, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of one 
hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever continues, orders, or in violation of his duties admits the contin
uation of the construction of other non-agricultural using of lands under the preceding para, after the constru
ction and the other using have been stopped by the respective authorities by the established order, shall be p
unished by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 221b. (New, SG 44/84; revoked SG 1/91)
 
Art. 222. (Revoked SG 1/91)
 
Art. 223. (1) (Suppl., SG 28/82) Who presents untrue data regarding the quantity, the quality or the 
type of the produce or f the performed work with the purpose of obtaining property benefit which is not due, 
unless it represents a more serious case, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by probati
on.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Who receives remuneration which is not due 
for the produced by him or for a performed work, knowing that it has been determined on the grounds of suc
h untrue data, unless it represents a more serious crime, shall be punished by probation or by a fine of one hu
ndred to three hundred levs.
(3) The acquired by the perpetrator as a result of the offences under the preceding paras shall be ret
urned to the respective organisation.
 
Art. 224. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whoever receives a gift or other property ben
efit in order to give or has presented to a foreign country, foreign organisation or company, or to a foreign ci
tizen information which have caused or would cause substantial damages to the economy, unless the act repr
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.esents a more serious crime, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of one hundred 
to three hundred levs.
(2) The same penalty shall also be awarded to those who have provided the gift or the property ben
efit.
(3) The subject of the crime shall be seized in favour of the state.
 
Art. 225. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; Suppl., SG 89/86; amend., SG 81/90; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/0
2) Whosoever sells a commodity at a price above the fixed one or before it is fixed or approved by the establ
ished order, or receives for a service remuneration larger than the legally admissible, shall be punished by i
mprisonment of up to two years or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (New, SG 26/73; suppl., SG 81/90; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If the act under the pr
eceding para is committed repeatedly and it is not a minor case, or if the already received sum is considerabl
e, the penalty shall be imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of one hundred to three hundred 
levs.
(3) (Revoked, New SG 81/90) Whosoever, after having been punished for offence under art. 3 of th
e Law for fighting the profiteering, commits the same offence before the expiration of one year from enforce
ment of the penal provision shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(4) (Prev., para 2 - SG 26/73; prev., para 5 - SG 89/86) Whosoever deliberately compiles untrue inf
ormation or presents untrue data for determining a price of commodity or service which have caused or woul
d have caused damages to a state establishment or enterprise, to a public organisation or to citizens shall be 
punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
(5) (Revoked, prev. para 7 - SG 81/90; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In cases wher
e under the preceding paragraphs the court determines the penalty imprisonment, it may also rule deprivatio
n of the right under art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(6) (Revoked, prev. para 7 - SG 81/90, new - SG 28/20, in force from 24.03.2020) When the act of 
para. 1 was made in case of a declared state of emergency under Art. 84, item 12  of the Constitution of the 
Republic of Bulgaria, the punishment shall be imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of BGN five tho
usand to BGN ten thousand.
 
Art. 225a. (New, SG 26/73; amend., SG 89/86; revoked SG 1/91)
 
Art. 225b. (New, SG 28/82) (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever receives proper
ty benefit which is not due for performed work or provided service, unless the act represents a more serious 
crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years and by a fine of one hundred to three hundred l
evs.
(2) If the act under the preceding para is committed again or the benefit is large in size, the penalty 
shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
(3) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) In minor cases under para 1 the penalty shall be a fine o
f one hundred to three hundred levs, imposed through administrative channels.
(4) The subject of the crime shall be seized in favour of the state.
 
Art. 225c. (New, SG 92/02) (1) Whosoever, in fulfilment of a job for a corporate body or sole entre
preneur, requests or receives a gift or whatever benefit which is not due, or accepts an offer or promise for a 
gift or benefit in order to fulfil or not fulfil an act in violation of his obligations in carrying out trading activi
ty, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years or by a fine of up to twenty thousand levs.
(2) Whosoever, in carrying out trading activity, offers or gives a gift or whatever benefit to a person 
working for a corporate body or sole entrepreneur in order to fulfil or not fulfil an act in violation of his obli
gations, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by a fine of up to fifteen thousand levs.
(3) The penalties under the preceding paras shall also be imposed when, by a consent of the person 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.under para 1, the gift or the benefit has been offered, promised or given to some one else.
(4) (amend., SG 26/04) Whosoever mediates some of the acts under the preceding paras, unless the 
act does not constitute a more severe crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of 
up to five thousand levs.
(5) The subject of the crime shall be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missing or expropriate
d, its equivalence shall be awarded.
 
Art. 226. (1) (Amend, SG 28/82; SG 10/93) Whosoever, by using state, cooperative or other public 
organisation, develops a private economic activity in violation of the established provisions, thus obtaining s
ubstantial illegal income, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to ten levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; prev. para 3 - SG 89/86; amend,. SG 10/93) Who develops a private enterp
rise covering under a form of a state, cooperative or other public organisation shall be punished by imprison
ment of up to five years and a fine of up to twenty levs.
(3) (Prev. para 2 - amend., SG 89/86) An official of the respective state, cooperative or other public 
organisation who admits the commission of the crime under the preceding paras shall be punished by impris
onment of up to three years or by probation.
(4) (New, SG 26/73; amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86, amend. SG 103/04) For repeated commission of 
the crime under the preceding paras, or when the illegal income is of large size, the penalty shall be imprison
ment of one to eight years.
(5) Prev. para 4 - amend., SG 26/73; SG 89/86, amend. SG 103/04) If the illegal income under the p
receding paras is particularly large and the case is particularly serious, the penalty shall be imprisonment of t
hree to twelve years.
 
Art. 227. (Amend,. SG 10/93; SG 50/95; SG 81/99; revoked – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; 
new – SG 19/12) (1) Whosoever hires five or more foreigners illegally staying on the territory of the Republ
ic of Bulgaria, all of them at the same time, shall be punishable by imprisonment for up to four years and by 
a fine amounting from two to twenty thousand BGN.
(2) The penalty referred to in para 1 shall also be imposed on anyone who hires a foreigner illegally 
staying on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, knowing that the foreigner is a victim of human trafficki
ng.
from
(4) Whosoever systematically hires one or more foreigners illegally staying within the territory of t
he Republic of Bulgaria shall be punished by imprisonment for one to five years and by a fine amounting to 
five to fifty thousand BGN.
(5) The penalty referred to in para 1 shall also be imposed on anyone who hires a foreigner illegally 
staying on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria under working conditions which are essentially different 
from those enjoyed by legally hired persons and violate human dignity.
(6) In minor cases under paras 2 - 4 the penalty shall be imprisonment for up to two years or probati
on, as well as a fine amounting from one to ten thousand BGN.
 
Art. 227a. (New SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; revoked – SG 75/06, in force fro
m 13.10.2006).
 
Section I "a".  
Offences against the creditors (New, SG 107/96)  
Art. 227b. (1) (Amend., SG 85/98; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) An entrepreneur 
who becomes insolvent and, within 30-days from suspending the payments, does not declare it in court shall 
be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by a fine of up to five thousand levs.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) (amend. – SG 26/10) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on the persons who manag
e and represent the trade company or cooperation if, within 30 days from suspending the payments, they hav
e not requested the court to institute bankruptcy proceedings.
(3) The penalty under para 1 shall also be awarded to the procurator who has not fulfilled his obliga
tion under art. 626, para 3 of the Commerce Act .
(4) (New, SG 62/97; amend – SG 59/06, in force from the date of entry into action of the Treaty on 
the Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Union; suppl. - SG 102/15, in force from 01.01.2
016) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on the persons who, being obliged to inform the Bulgar
ian National Bank about the insolvency of a bank according to the Credit institutions Act , as well as the pe
rsons, who were obliged to notify the Commission of Financial Supervision of the insolvency of an insurer o
r a reinsurer according to the Insurance Code , have not done it.
 
Art. 227c. (1) An entrepreneur who, after the institution of bankruptcy proceedings:
1. conceals, destroys, damages or alienates ex gratia money, possessions, securities or other valuabl
es which can serve as indemnification of his creditors;
2. alienates money, possessions, securities or other valuables which can serve as indemnification of 
his creditors, when the given substantially exceeds the received, and it was done in contradiction to the norm
al practising of the economic activity;
3. absolves or conceals a taking;
4. recognises or undertakes in any way whatsoever, or remedy non-existent liability;
5. takes a loan knowing that he cannot return it;
6. cedes as a credit possessed commodities, money, possessions, securities or other valuables in a w
ay contradicting the normal practising of the economic activity;
7. illegally remedies only one or several creditors or secures them to the detriment of the rest of the 
creditors;
8. destroys, conceals or forges his trade books or documents or keeps them in violation of the law i
n a way embarrassing the establishment of the assets and liabilities of his enterprise or trade,
if the above acts have caused substantial damages, shall be punished for deliberate bankruptcy by i
mprisonment of up to three years.
(2) When an ac under para 1 causes damages of particularly large size, representing a particularly s
erious case, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to fifteen years. The court shall also rule revoking of 
rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 227d. The penalties under art. 227c shall also be imposed on persons who manage and represe
nt the trade company or cooperation if they commit or allow the commission of the acts according to the sa
me Art., whereas in the cases of para 1 the court can also rule a fine of up to 500 levs, and under para 2 - con
fiscation of a part or of the whole property of the culprit.
 
Art. 227e. (1) An entrepreneur who:
1. has not practised his trade with due diligence or has taken part in obviously risky transactions wh
ich do not belong in the circle of his usual activity;
2. has made personal, family or other expenditures, obviously uncharacteristic and not related to the 
activity and not complied with his property status;
3. has failed to work out or has worked out an incorrect annual accountancy report and balance, bei
ng obliged to do that;
for which reason he has been declared bankrupt and this has caused damages to the creditors, shall 
be fined for negligent bankruptcy by imprisonment of up to two years, whereas the court can also rule revoki
ng of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(2) The penalties under para 1 shall also be imposed on an entrepreneur who has declared bankrupt 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.without having fulfilled his obligations under a preceding recovery plan.
(3) The penalties under para 1 shall also be imposed on persons who manage and represent the trad
e company or cooperation if they commit or allow the commission of the acts stipulated by the same para.
(4) The persons under para 1 shall not be punished if, before the ruling of the sentence by the first i
nstance, they indemnify their creditors. This provision shall not be applied a second time.
 
Art. 227f. (1) An entrepreneur who has liabilities to another entrepreneur for whom bankruptcy pro
ceedings have been instituted, knowing this does not fulfil his obligations within the set term or usual term, s
hall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 200 levs.
(2) An entrepreneur why, by the approval, knowledge or to an interest of his creditor conceals entir
ely or partially a liability to him, thus causing damage to his creditor, shall be punished by imprisonment of 
up to two years and a fine of up to 300 levs.
(3) Whosoever, knowing that bankruptcy proceedings have been instituted for an entrepreneur, con
ceals or destroys by his consent his possessions belonging or which could belong to the bankruptcy estate sh
all be punished by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to 300 levs.
 
Section II.  
Offences against individual economic branches  
Art. 228. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82) Whosoever, as a manager (or control body) orders or admits the p
roduction of law-quality, non-standard or incomplete industrial products or products not meeting the require
ments for quality, type or marks established for them, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three year
s or by probation.
(2) Whosoever, in violation of his official duties, marks as standard or does not mark a commodity 
which does not meet the respective requirements, when this is obligatory, shall be punished by imprisonmen
t of up to one year or by probation.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If the products or commodities un
der the preceding paras are not in substantial quantities or of substantial value, the penalty under para 1 shall 
be a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, and under para 2 - a fine of one hundred to three hundred lev
s imposed through administrative channels.
 
Art. 229. Whosoever, by accepting agricultural produce for the account of a purchasing or trade org
anisation, misleads the supplier regarding the quality or the quantity of these products, shall be punished by i
mprisonment of up to three years or by probation, as well as by public reprimand.
 
Art. 230. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever violates an ordinance is
sued against the spreading or the occurrence of an infectious disease on domestic animals shall be punished 
by probation for up to six months or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) If infection has followed, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
(3) If the infectious disease is widely spread, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
(4) Punished in compliance with the differences under the preceding paras shall also be those who v
iolate an ordinance issued for fighting diseases and pests of the plants.
 
Art. 231. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82) (1) (Amend., SG 62/97) Whosoever offers for sale industr
ial or farm commodities in substantial quantities or of substantial value, not meeting the requirements under 
para 1 of art. 228, without having announced in advance these shortcomings, shall be punished by imprison
ment of up to two years, by a fine of one thousand to three thousand levs and by revoking of rights accordin
g to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(2) (Amend,. SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) In minor cases under the preceding para the penalty sha
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.ll be a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs imposed through administrative channels.
 
Art. 232. (1) A seller who cheats a buyers in weighing or measuring a commodity or who uses false 
measures and balances shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(2) Punished by the same penalty shall be:
a) whoever cheats a buyer by mixing alien substances or worsening the quality of the commodity in 
any other way;
b) whoever cheats a client regarding the quality of the commodities, materials or services.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 27/09) If one or more acts unde
r the preceding paras have caused a damage of up to one hundred levs, the penalty shall be a fine of one hun
dred to three hundred levs imposed through administrative channels.
(4) (New, SG 95/75; amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If the act under the precedin
g para has been committed after imposing to the person administrative penalty according to the same para, b
y an enforced writ, and one year has not expired from the first offence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of 
up to one year or probation, or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(5) (New, SG 95/75; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases when imprisonmen
t is imposed according to the preceding paras the court can also rule revoking of right according to art. 37, p
ara 1, item 6 or 7 .
 
Art. 233. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 89/86; amend. and suppl., SG 81/90; revoked 
SG 10/93; New, SG 102/95; Amend. and Suppl., SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04; amend. - SG 38/07) Whosoe
ver exports, imports, transfers, transports, transits or carries out brokerage with weapons or products or tech
nologies of double use, as well as where such activities are carried out in violation of prohibitions, restrictio
ns or sanctions imposed by the Security Council of the United Nations Organisation, by the Organisation for 
Security and Cooperation in Europe or by the European Union referred to by an act of the Council of Minist
ers or ensuing from an international agreement party to which is the Republic of Bulgaria, without the respe
ctive license, registration or permit shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to t
wo hundred thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02) For particularly serious cases under para 1 the penalty shall be imprisonme
nt of three to 8 years and a fine of up to five hundred thousand levs.
(3) (Amend., SG 92/02) In minor cases under para 1 the penalty shall be a fine of up to twenty thou
sand levs.
(4) (Amend., SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04; amend. - SG 38/07) The weapons or the products, or tec
hnologies of double use, subject to the crime, shall be seized in favour of the state regardless of the fact who
se property they are, or if they are missing or alienated, their equivalent shall be awarded, determined accord
ing to the foreign trade contract.
 
Art. 234. (Amend. and suppl., SG 26/73; amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86; revoked, SG 1/91; New, SG 
107/96) (1) (Amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10, amend. 
– SG 7/19) Whosoever distributes or keeps excise goods without excise band, when such is required by law, 
in no minor cases, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years and a fine of up to the ten-fold a
mount of the market price of the distributed commodities, as well as by revoking rights according to art. 37, 
para 1, item 7 .
(2) (New – SG 7/19) Whoever produces or keeps for distribution alcohol, alcoholic beverages or to
bacco products without a duly authorized permit, in cases of significant importance, shall be punished by im
prisonment of one to six years and a fine from twenty thousand to one hundred thousand BGN, as well as wi
th deprivation of rights under Art. 37, Para. 1, item 7 .
(3) (Amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10, previou
s Para. 2 – SG 7/19) The penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years and revoking rights accordin
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.g to art. 37, para 1, item 7  if the act:
1. is repeated;
2. has been committed by two or more persons who have conspired in advance;
3. if the subject of the crime is in large size.
(4) (New – SG 7/19) Whoever, in violation of the established order, makes, keeps or conceals objec
ts, materials or devices and technical equipment, for which he knows or supposes that they are intended or h
ave served for the construction of facilities for production of alcohol, alcoholic beverages or tobacco product
s under Para. 2, shall be punished by imprisonment for up to three years.
(5) (Previous Para. 3 - SG 7/19)The subject of the crime shall be seized in favour of the state.
 
Art. 234a. (New, SG 62/97; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever carries out foreign trade activity witho
ut permit required by the law or by a decree of the Council of Ministers or in violation of such issued permit 
shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of five to ten thousand levs and revoking of rig
hts according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 234b. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10; amend. - SG 33/11, in for
ce from 27.05.2011) Whosoever buys or carries out trading activity with waste of ferrous or non-ferrous met
als without license required by a normative act, or in its violation, shall be punished by imprisonment of up t
o five years and a fine of two thousand to fifty thousand levs, as well as by deprivation of rights pursuant to 
Art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
(2) The waste, subject of the act under para 1 shall be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missi
ng or expropriated, its equivalence shall be awarded.
 
Art. 234c. (new, SG 26/04) (1) (amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whosoever, himself 
or through another, implements an illegal joining to an electric transfer or electric distribution network, or to 
a gas transport, heat transfer, water supply or sewage system, a system for transfer of liquid fuel, or illegal in
terference with the devices for commercial measuring of electric power, natural gas, liquid fuel, heating pow
er or water, or discharged sewage water, thus creating conditions for incorrect reading of the consumed elect
ric power, natural gas, liquid fuel, heating power or water, or of discharged sewage water shall be punished 
by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to fifteen thousand levs.
(2) (amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) If the act under para 1 is repeated, the penalty sh
all be imprisonment of one to eight years and a fine of up to twenty thousand levs.
 
Art. 234d. (New - SG 108/20) (1) Whoever, without a permit, registration or license required by a n
ormative act or an act of the European Union, performs public transport of passengers by occupation, shall b
e punished by imprisonment from one to three years.
(2) When the act under Para. 1 has been committed by two or more persons, who have conspired in 
advance to do it, or by using a false or forged document or a document with false content, the punishment sh
all be imprisonment of two to five years and a fine of two to ten thousand levs.
(3) (Declared unconstitutional in the part "regardless of whose property it is" with Decision of the 
Constitutional court № 12 of 2021 - SG 84/21) In the cases under Para. 1 and 2, the motor vehicle, 
used for committing the act, shall be confiscated in favour of the state, regardless of whose property i
t is, and when it is missing or expropriated, its equivalent shall be awarded.
 
Art. 235. (amend., SG 26/04) (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, witho
ut a valid written permit or with a valid permit, but outside the appointed places, terms, quantities and trees, 
cuts, collects, produces, takes or transports from the state forest fund trees of any kind whatsoever, or a part 
of them, including cut or fallen, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and by a fine of one th
ousand to twenty thousand levs.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty under para 1 shall be imposed on th
ose who receive, load, transport, unload, store or process wood illegally obtained by another.
(3) For a crime under para 1 and 2 the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to eight years and a f
ine of five thousand to fifteen thousand levs if:
1. it has been committed by two or more persons, upon prior arrangement for it;
2. it has been committed by implication with a forest employee who has availed himself of his offic
ial status;
3. it has been committed by using untrue or forged document of a document with untrue contents;
4. has been repeated;
5. the subject of the crime is of large size.
(4) Where the crimes under para 1 – 3 are committed by a person acting by instructions or in fulfill
ment of a decision of an organized criminal group or represent a dangerous recidivism the penalty shall be i
mprisonment of three to ten years and a fine of ten thousand tone hundred thousand levs.
(5) When the subject of the crime is of a particularly large size and the case is particularly severe, t
he penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years and a fine of fifty thousand to five hundred thousan
d levs.
(6) (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In minor cases the penalty shall be imprisonment o
f up to one year or probation, or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(7) (prev. text of para 6 - SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The subject of the crime shall be seiz
ed in favour of the state, and if it is missing or it has been alienated its equivalence shall be adjudged.
 
Art. 236. (Amend,. SG 28/82; SG 86/91; SG 85/97; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force 
from 13.10.2006) Whosoever destroys or damages in any way whatsoever forest trees, coppice, undergrowth
, forest culture or forest nursery, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation, as w
ell as by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, and in particularly serious cases - by imprisonment of u
p to five years.
 
Art. 237. (1) (Amend, SG 28/82; SG 89/86; SG 86/91; SG 85/97; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 
75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever kills or catches without the required permit big game shall be p
unished by imprisonment of up to one year or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, as well as by r
evoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86; SG 86/91; SG 85/97; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in 
force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, without having hunting licence, kills or catches small game, specially st
ipulated by the Law for the hunting, as well as those who, although holding a hunting licence, kills or catche
s such game in time of prohibition, in a prohibited place or by prohibited means, shall be punished by probat
ion for up to six months or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, as well as by revoking of rights ac
cording to art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
(3) The killed or caught game shall be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missing or alienated, 
its value shall be adjudicated.
 
Art. 238. (1) (Prev. text of art. 238 - SG 28/82; amend. - SG 89/1986, amend. - SG 86/1991, amend. 
– SG 55/18) (1) Whoever starts fishing, or catches fish and/or other water organisms by using explosive, poi
sonous or stunning substances shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year, and a fine from BGN 1
0 000 to 15 000, or with probation.
(2) Whoever starts fishing, or catches fish and/or other aquatic organisms:
1. by using technical devices and fishing gear with electric current without a valid permit;
2. with fishing nets in sites other than the Black Sea, the river Danube and the sites, for which the p
erson has a registration under Art. 25 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act , and two or more penal decree
s for administrative violations under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act have entered into force for that perso
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.n;
3. at locations where fishing is forbidden, or the water is low;
4. in non-industrial waters during the breeding season of the fish;
5. of the species threatened by extinction,
shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six months, and a fine from BGN 5 000 to 10 000, or w
ith probation.
(3) For any crime under Para. 1 and 2, the punishment shall be imprisonment from one to three year
s, and a fine from BGN 15 000 to 20 000, when:
1. it is committed by two or more persons who have agreed in advance about its realization;
2. it is carried out in co-operation with an official from the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aqu
aculture who has taken advantage of his official position;
3. it has been repeated;
4. the subject of the crime is in large proportions.
(4) The fish caught, the other water organisms caught, as well as the gear and equipment by which t
he crime has been committed, shall be seized in favour of the State.
 
Art. 239. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; amend. and suppl., SG 86/91; amend., SG 85/97; amend., SG 92/
02; amend. - SG 27/09) A head of enterprise, company, establishment, organisation, or other official, who vi
olates or admits violation of the rules established by a special law for preservation of the fish and of the othe
r water organisms and for the correct development of the fish husbandry in the country, shall be punished by 
imprisonment of up to three years or by probation, as well as by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (amend. - SG 27/09) The same penalty shall be imposed on any person who lets in or throws in 
the fishery waters polluted water or substances which, by their quantity or nature, can harm the fish and the 
other water organisms.
 
Art. 240. (1) (amend. and suppl. - SG 27/09) A foreign citizen who enters by a vessel the territorial 
waters of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Black Sea and carries out industrial fishing without permit of the re
spective border authorities, unless subject to a more severe penalty according to another law, shall be punish
ed by imprisonment of up to three years, regardless of the liability according to the Fishing and Aquacultu
res Act.
(2) If this is carried out by a group of foreign citizens who are armed, the penalty shall be imprison
ment of up to five years.
(3) (amend. - SG 27/09) The caught fish, the other caught water organisms and the devices by whic
h the crime has been committed shall be seized in favour of the state.
 
Art. 240a. (New – SG, 101/17) (1) Anyone, who commits extraction of underground resources with
out a granted concession, or where the act of the granted concession for extraction has been stopped under A
rt. 68 of the Underground Natural Resources Act , or under the signed contract, shall be punished by impr
isonment to 6 years and a fine of BGN 1000 to 20 000.
(2) With the punishment under Para. 1, shall also be punished that one, who keeps, stores, transport
s, processes or expropriates illegally extracted underground wealth.
(3) The punishment is imprisonment from 2 to 8 years and a fine of BGN 5000 to 50 000, where:
1. the subject of the crime is in large proportions;
2. the act has been committed in a protected territory or protected zone in the meaning of the Biolo
gical Diversity Act ;
3. for perpetrating the act a technical media or road vehicle has been used;
4. the act has been perpetrated through using a document with untrue contents, untrue or forged doc
ument;
5. the act has been perpetrated by 2 or more persons, agreed beforehand;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.6. the act has been perpetrated with the participation of an official, who has used his official status;
7. the act has been perpetrated by a person, who constantly deal with such an activity;
8. the act has been repeated.
(4) The punishment shall be imprisonment from 3 to 10 years and a fine of BGN 10 000 to 100 000
, where:
1. the subject of the crime is in especially large proportions and the case is especially severe;
2. the act has been perpetrated by a person, who acts upon a commission or in fulfillment of a decis
ion of an organized criminal group;
3. the act has been perpetrated under the conditions of a dangerous recidivism
(5) In minor cases under Para. 1 and 2, the punishment shall be imprisonment up to 1 year or probat
ion or a fine of BGN 100 to 300.
(6) The subject of the crime shall be deprived in favor of the state, and if it is absent or expropriated
, its equivalence shall be judged.
(7) The vehicle or transferring means, served for transportation or transfer of the crime subject, it sh
all be deprived of in favor of the state also when it is not owned by the perpetrator, unless its value does not 
comply to the severity of the crime.
(8) Anyone, who prepares, acquired, keeps or hides subjects, materials or devices, about which it is 
known that they are intended, or that have served for excavation of underground wealth without a concessio
n, shall be punished by imprisonment up to 5 years.
Section III.  
Offences against the customs regime (Title amend., SG 50/95)  
Art. 241. (Revoked, SG 50/95)
 
Art. 242. (1) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 10/93; amend. and suppl., SG 62/97) Whosoever carries throu
gh the border of the country commodities without the knowledge and the permit of the customs, when it is c
ommitted:
a) by persons who systematically carry out such activity;
b) (amend., SG 26/04) by using a document with untrue contents, another's, false or forged docume
nt;
c) by an official who has a direct contact with the customs office;
d) (Suppl., SG 92/02; suppl., SG 26/04; suppl. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) by carrying o
ut strongly active or poisonous substances, explosive substances, weapons or munitions, firearms, pyrotechn
ics, nuclear material, nuclear equipment or other sources of ionising radiation, components or precursors for 
them determined by a law or by an act of the Council of Ministers, or
e) commodities and objects for commercial or industrial purposes in large amount;
f) by two or more persons who have conspired in advance,
g) (New, SG 92/02) by a person acting by an errand or in fulfilment of a decision of an organised cr
iminal group
h) (new - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) through delivery of a specimen of protected species 
of wild flora or fauna, a part thereof or a product.
(amend., SG 26/04; amend. – SG 26/10) shall be punished for aggravated contraband by imprisonm
ent of three to ten years and by a fine from twenty thousand to one hundred thousand levs.
(2) (New, SG 95/75; amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97; SG 21/00) Whosoever, without a due permit, ca
rries through the border of the country narcotic substances and/or their analogues shall be punished for high-
risk narcotic substances by imprisonment of ten to fifteen years and a fine of up to one hundred thousand to t
wo hundred thousand levs and for risky narcotic substances - by imprisonment of three to fifteen years and a 
fine of ten thousand to one hundred thousand levs.
(Para 3 - new, SG 95/75; amend., SG 89/86; SG 10/93; revoked, SG 50/95)
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) (New, SG 21/00) Whosoever, without a due permit, carries through the border of the country pr
ecursors or equipment and materials for the production of narcotic substances shall be punished by imprison
ment of two to ten years and a fine of fifty thousand to one hundred thousand levs.
(4) (New, SG 89/86; amend., SG 10/93; prev. para 4, SG 50/95; amend. and suppl., SG 62/97; prev. 
para 3 - amend., SG 21/00) If the subject of the contraband under the preceding paras is of a particularly larg
e size and the case is particularly serious, or some of the persons under letter "e" of para 1 is a customs empl
oyee, the penalty shall be: in the cases under para 1 - imprisonment of five to fifteen years and a fine of fifty 
thousand to two hundred thousand levs, and in the cases under para 2 and 3 - imprisonment of fifteen to twe
nty years and a fine of two hundred thousand to three hundred thousand levs.
(5) (Prev. para 2, amend., SG 95/75; suppl., SG 28/82; prev. para 4, amend. SG 89/86; prev. para 5; 
amend., SG 50/95; prev. para 4 - amend., SG 21/2000, amend. SG 103/04) In the cases under para 1, letter "
a", "d" and "e", as well as under para 2, 3 and 4, the court can, instead of fines, impose confiscation of a part 
or of the whole property of the culprit.
(6) (Prev., para 3; amend., SG 95/75; suppl., SG 28/82; prev. para 5 - SG 89/86; amend., SG 10/93; 
prev. para 6 - SG 50/95; amend., SG 62/97; prev. para 5 - SG 21/00) In minor cases under para 1, 2 and 3 th
e penalty shall be a fine of up to one thousand levs imposed through administrative channels.
(7) (Prev., para 4 - SG 95/75; prev. para 6; suppl., SG 89/86; prev. para 7 - SG 50/95; prev., para 6 - 
SG 21/00) The subject of the contraband shall be seized in favour of the state regardless of whose property it 
is, and if it is missing or alienated, its equivalent at respective state retail prices shall be awarded.
(8) (Prev. para 5 - SG 95/75; prev. para 7 - amend., SG 89/86; prev. para 8 - SG 50/95; prev. para 7 
- SG 21/00; declared unconstitutional in the part "even if it is not property of the perpetrator" with Decision 
of the Constitutional court № 12 of 2021 - SG 84/21) The transport or carrying vehicle which has ser
ved the transportation or carrying of the commodities subject of the contraband shall be seized in f
avour of the state, even if it is not property of the perpetrator , unless its value obviously does not correspo
nd to the burden of the offence.
(9) (New, SG 41/85; prev. para 8 - amend., SG 89/86; prev. para 9 - amend., SG 50/95; prev. para 8 
- amend., SG 21/00) For preparations related to para 2, 3 and 4 the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to fi
ve years. Para 7 shall apply in these cases.
 
Art. 242a. (New, SG 21/00; suppl., SG 26/04) Whosoever carries through the state border a commo
dity accompanied by documents for transit passing and in violation of the established order unloads the com
modity on the territory of the country shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of fifty 
thousand to five hundred thousand levs. The commodity and the vehicle which has served its carrying shall 
be seized in favour of the state regardless of the ownership.
 
Section IV.  
Offences against the monetary and credit system  
Art. 243. (1) Whosoever issues false or forges genuine currency having exchange rate in the countr
y or abroad shall be punished for forgery of currency by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who forge:
1. revenue or post stamps and
2. bonds issued by the state or other state securities;
3. (New, SG 62/97; amend. - SG 27/09) payment instruments.
 
Art. 244. (1) (Prev. text of art. 244 - amend., SG 62/97, amend. SG 24/22 Mar 2005; amend. - SG 2
7/09, suppl. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever lets in circulation forged currency or other notes or payment instrume
nts under Art. 243, Para 2 , acquires or uses such, knowing that they are forged, or transfers them through th
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.e borders of the country, or transports them, shall be punished by imprisonment from two to eight years.
(2) (New, SG 62/97; amend. and suppl. - SG 27/09) The penalty under Para 1 shall also be imposed 
on a person who keeps such notes or payment instruments under Art. 243, Para 2  in large quantities.
 
Art. 244a. (new – SG 24/05) (1) (Suppl. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever in violation of the established or
der prepares, accepts, acquires, transfers through the border of the country or transports pecuniary notes with 
exchange rate in the country or abroad, or pecuniary notes, which have not been issued yet, but are intended 
for putting into circulation as a legal payment means, shall be punished with imprisonment from five to fifte
en years.
(2) Whosoever conscientiously introduces in circulation such banknotes, shall be punished with im
prisonment up to five years.
 
Art. 245. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97) Whosoever accepts forged currency or other no
te according to art. 243 and, upon understanding its nature, deliberately lets it in circulation as genuine, shal
l be punished by imprisonment of one to three years and by a fine of up to one thousand levs.
 
Art. 246. (1) (amend., SG 26/04; amend. - SG 27/09) Preparation for committing a crime according 
to art. 243 or associating for such a purpose or for circulation of forged currency or other notes or payment i
nstruments under Art. 243, Para 2  shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
(2) (amend. SG 24/05) Not punished shall be this accomplice in the association who, before the for
gery (if the association has been formed for such a purpose), or before the finishing of the preparation of the 
preparation of the resources o para 3 or before the beginning of the circulation of the forged notes (if the ass
ociation has been formed for such a purpose), desists from the act and informs the authorities.
(3) (amend. SG 24/05; amend. - SG 27/09, amend. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever draws up, accepts, ac
quires, keeps or harbours objects, computer software and data, as well any other means, or elements for prot
ection of banknotes, materials or instruments which he knows to be designated or which have served for pre
paring untrue pecuniary notes, or for forgery of currency or other notes or payment instruments under Art. 2
43, Para 2  shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
 
Art. 247. (Amend., SG 28/82; corr., SG 31/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; revoked – SG 
26/10)
 
Art. 248. (1) (Amend,. SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever is aware that a crime is 
being committed according to art. 243 and 244, and does not inform the authorities about that, shall be fined 
by probation or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) The preceding para shall not be applied regarding the spouse, the descendants, the ascendants, t
he brothers and the sisters of the perpetrator and their spouses.
 
Art. 248a. (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever, in ord
er to obtain crediting, presents untrue information shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years an
d a fine of one thousand to five thousand levs.
(2) (Amend. and suppl. – SG, 101/17) The same penalty shall be imposed to the one, who concedes 
untrue data or conceals data in violation of obligation to present such in order to receive resources from fund
s belonging to the European Union, or granted by the EU to the Bulgarian state, as well as means, belonging 
to the Bulgarian state by which projects have been co-finances, funded by means of these funds.
(3) (amend. – SG 26/10, amend. and suppl. – SG, 101/17) If the act under paragraphs 1 and 2 has b
een committed by a person, who manages and represents a legal person or a civil company, or by an entrepre
neur, the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to six years and a fine of two thousand to ten thousand lev
s.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(4) The penalty under para 3 shall also be imposed on the official who has permitted the credit or gr
anted the resources of para 2 should he have known that the presented information is untrue.
(5) (new - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10, amend. – SG, 101/17) If as a result of the act under Para. 
2, means have been received from funds, belonging to the EU, or granted by EU to the Bulgarian state, as w
ell as means, belonging to the Bulgarian state, by which projects are co-financed, funded by means of these f
unds, the punishment shall be imprisonment from two to eight years.
 
Art. 249. (Amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) (amend. - SG 27/0
9) Whosoever uses a payment instrument or data of a payment instrument, without the consent of the holder 
of title, where this act does not constitute a graver crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of two to eight 
years and a fine of up to the double size of the obtained sum.
(2) Whosoever uses a payment instrument issued in the Republic of Bulgaria or abroad, without ha
ving coverage of the sum for which the instrument has been used, shall be punished by imprisonment of one 
to six years and by a fine of up to the double size of the obtained sum.
(3) Whosoever produces, installs or uses a technical device in order to obtain information for the co
ntent of payment instrument, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to eight years and a fine of up to the 
double size of the obtained sum.
(4) The same penalty shall also be imposed on a person, who keeps or provides other persons with t
he information under para 3.
 
Art. 250. (1) (Amend,. SG 95/75; amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; SG 89/86; revoked SG 10/93; New, 
SG 50/95; prev. text of art. 250 - SG 21/00) Whosoever transfers sums outside the country through a bank, u
sing false, forged document or a document of untrue contents, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to t
en years and a fine of up to the amount of the double sum of the transfer.
(2) (New, SG 21/00; revoked – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006)
 
Art. 251. (Revoked - SG 10/93; New, SG 50/95) (1) (amend. - SG 74/15, amend. – SG, 101/17) An
y person failing to perform a duty of declaring monetary funds, precious metals, precious stones or articles c
ontaining or made of them, when transferred through the border of the country, where it is an external borde
r of the European Union, and the value of the subject of the crime is of a particularly large size shall be puni
shed by imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine amounting to the double sum of one fifth of the value of the 
subject of crime.
(2) (Repealed - SG 83/19)
Art. 252. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked, SG 10/93; New SG 50/95) (1) (Amend., SG 62/97; suppl. – 
SG 23/09, in force from 01.11.2009, amend. – SG 13/20, in force from 14.02.2020) Whosoever, without the 
due permit, carries out by profession banking, insurance or other financial transactions, provides payment se
rvices or issues electronic money, for which a permit is required, shall be punished by imprisonment of three 
to five years and by a confiscation of up to one second of the property of the perpetrator.
(2) (Amend., SG 62/97) If the activity under para 1 has caused another person substantial damages 
or substantial illegal income has been obtained, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to ten years and a f
ine of five thousand to ten thousand levs, whereas the court can also rule confiscation of a part or of the who
le property of the perpetrator.
(3) The penalty under para 2 shall also be imposed on those who, in carrying out the banking activit
y by permit, use resources obtained in violation of the established provisions.
 
Chapter seven.  
OFFENCES AGAINST THE FINANCIAL, TAX AND INSURANCE SYSTEMS (Title amend., SG 6
2/97; SG 51/00)  
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 253. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked, SG 10/93; New, SG 62/97) (1) (Amend., SG 85/98; amend., 
SG 26/04; suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever carries out a financial operation or a tra
nsaction with a property, or hides the origin, location, movement or actual rights on a property about which 
he knows or suspects that they have been acquired through a crime or another socially dangerous act, shall b
e punished for money laundering by imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of three thousand to five th
ousand levs.
(2) (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed o
n those who acquire, receive, keep, use, transform or contribute in any way for the transformation of a prope
rty for which he knows or suspects by the moment of its receipt that it has been acquired through a crime or 
another socially dangerous act.
(3) (prev. para 2 – amend., SG 26/04) The penalty shall be imprisonment of one to eight years and a 
fine of five to twenty thousand levs if the act under para 1 and 2 has been committed:
1. (amend., SG 26/04) by two or more persons who have conspired in advance, or by a person actin
g on an errand or in fulfillment of a decision of an organized criminal group;
2. two or more times;
3. by an official within the scope of his office;
4. (new, SG 26/04) by opening and maintaining an account in a financial institution under a fictitio
us name or under the name of a person who has not given consent for that.
5. (new - SG 103/20) by an obligated person under Art. 4 of the Act on Measures against Money La
undering, or its employee or worker, during or on the occasion of fulfilling the obligations under the same ac
t
(4) (New, SG 21/2000; prev. para 3 amend,. SG 26/04; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.200
6) The penalty shall be imprisonment of three to twelve years and a fine of twenty thousand to two hundred l
evs if the act under para 1 and 2 has been committed by means or property about which the perpetrator has k
nown or supposed that they have been acquired through serious deliberate crime.
(5) (New, SG 85/98; prev. para 3, SG 21/00; prev. para 4 – amend., SG 26/04; amend. – SG 75/06, 
in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the means or the property are of 
particularly large size and the case is particularly serious, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen 
years and a fine of ten to thirty thousand levs, whereas the court shall deprive the culprit of rights according 
to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(6) (New, SG 85/98; prev. para 4, SG 21/00; prev. para 5) The subject of the crime or the property i
nto which it has been transformed shall be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missing or alienated, its e
quivalence shall be adjudged.
(7) (new, SG 26/04) The provisions of para 1 – 6 shall also apply when the crime through which the 
property has been acquired does not fall under the criminal jurisdiction of the Republic of Bulgaria.
 
Art. 253a. (new, SG 26/04) (1) The preparation of money laundering or the association for this purp
ose shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by a fine of five thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) The same penalty shall also be imposed on those who instigates another to money laundering.
(3) The property meant for money laundering shall be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missi
ng or alienated, its equivalence shall be adjudged.
(4) Participant in the association under para 1 shall not be punished when, before the completion of 
money laundering, he terminates his participation in the association and informs the authority about it.
 
Art. 253b. (New, SG 85/98; prev. art. 253a, amend., SG 26/04) An official who violates or does not 
fulfil the provisions of the Measures against money laundering Act , if the act does not represent a more se
rious offence, shall be punished in serious cases by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of one thous
and to three thousand levs.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 254. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked SG 10/93; new SG 62/97; revoked – SG 75/06, in force fro
m 13.10.2006)
 
Art. 254a. (New, SG 51/00) (1) (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) An official who, in v
iolation of a budget law or a secondary legislation act for its implementation, administers budget resources o
r expedient resources not according to their purpose, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years, 
or by probation, as well as by revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(2) If the act under para 1 has caused harmful consequences for the state or the municipality, the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years and revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(3) (revoked – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006).
(4) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases under para 1 the perpetrator shall no
t be punished if, until the conclusion of the court investigation in the first instance court the illegal administe
ring act is revoked and the illegally spent resources are restored in full. This provision shall not apply for a s
econd time.
 
Art. 254b. (new – SG 24/05) (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever uses not for their designation rec
eived financial resources from funds. belonging to the European Union or granted by the European Union to 
the Bulgarian state shall be punished with imprisonment from one to six years.
(2) (amend. – SG 26/10) If an official orders to be accomplished the action of the previous para, the 
penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years, the court being able to deprive the guilty person from 
rights under Art. 37, para 1, items 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 255. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86; revoked, SG 10/93; new, SG 62/97, in force from Novem
ber 6, 97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) Whosoever avoids establishment or payment of 
tax liabilities in large amount by:
1. not presenting a declaration;
2. confirming untruth or concealing truth in a filed declaration;
3. not issuing an invoice or other accounting document;
4. destroying, concealing or not preserving accounting documents or accounting registers within the 
fixed terms;
5. implementing accountancy or admitting the implementation of accountancy in violation of the re
quirements of the accountancy legislation;
6. working out or using a document of untrue contents, inauthentic or forged document at carrying 
out economic activity, at keeping accountancy or at providing information to the revenue bodies or the publi
c bailiffs.
7. deducting undue tax credit.
(amend. – SG 26/10) shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years and a by fine of up to t
wo thousand levs.
(2) (amend. - SG 67/08; amend. – SG 12/09, in force from 01.05.2009) In case the act under para 1 
is committed with the participation of an employee of border police, customs administration, the National R
evenue Agency or a registered auditor, the penalty shall be imprisonment of two to six years and a fine of up 
to five thousand levs, as well as deprivation of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(3) In case the tax liabilities are ones of particularly large size, the penalty shall be imprisonment of 
three to eight years and confiscation of a part or the entire property of the culprit.
(4) If, until the conclusion of the court investigation at the first instance court, the unannounced or 
unpaid tax liability is deposited in the budget along with the interest, the penalty under para 1 and 2 shall be 
imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to five hundred levs, and under para 3 - imprisonment of u
p to three years and a fine of up to one thousand levs.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 255a. (new – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) Whosoever avoids the establishment or t
he payment of tax liabilities of particularly large size by the transformation of the trade company or other le
gal person, by carrying out a transaction with a trade company or by carrying out a transaction with related p
ersons within the meaning of the Tax-insurance procedure code , shall be punished by imprisonment of on
e to six years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
(2) In case the tax liabilities are ones of particularly large size, the penalty shall be imprisonment of 
three to eight years and confiscation of a part or the entire property of the culprit.
(3) If, until the conclusion of the court investigation at the first instance court, the unannounced or 
unpaid tax liability is deposited in the budget along with the interest, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up 
to three years and a fine of up to one thousand levs.
 
Art. 255b. (new – SG 107/14, in force from 01.01.2015) Чл. 255б. (1) Whoever commits evasion 
of mandatory contributions to state social security or health insurance in large amounts by:
1. declaring insurable income in amounts smaller than the real one intended for the respective insur
ed person;
2. not submitting a declaration;
3. confirming a falsehood or concealing the truth in the statement;
4. drawing up or useing an incorrect, inauthentic or counterfeited document when pursuing econom
ic activities, in bookkeeping or when providing information to the revenue authorities;
5. destroying or smuggling away accounting documents, accounting records or payroll within the st
atutory time;
shall be punishable by of up to five years and a fine of up to two thousand levs
(2) Where the offense under para 1 was committed with the participation of a revenue authority or a 
registered auditor, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to six years and a fine up to five thousand Levs 
as well as deprivation of rights under Art. 37, para 1 items 6 and 7 .
(3) Where the liabilities for mandatory contributions to state social security or health insurance are i
n particularly large amounts, the penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years and confiscation of a 
part or the whole property of the culprit.
(4) If by the end of the judicial investigation in the first instance court mandatory contributions to st
ate social security or health insurance are made in the budget together with interest, the penalty under para 1 
and 2 shall be imprisonment of up to two years and a fine up to five hundred Levs, while under para 3 the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine up to a thousand Levs.
(5) A worker or employee subject to mandatory insurance shall not be criminally liable under paras 
1 – 4, including for abetting and aiding.
 
Art. 256. (New, SG 62/97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) (Suppl. - SG 103/20, i
n force from 01.01.2021) Whosoever, by using a document of untrue contents, inauthentic or forged docume
nt receives from the state budget, from the budget of the state social insurance or from the budget of the Nati
onal Health Insurance Fund undue pecuniary sum of large size or provides another person with the opportun
ity to receive such sum, shall be punished by imprisonment of two to eight years and a fine of one thousand t
o five thousand levs.
(2) In case the act under para 1 is committed with the participation of a person under art. 255, para 
2 or a person, who acts by an order or in fulfilment of a decision of organised criminal group, or if the sum r
eceived is of particularly large size, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years and confiscation 
of a part or the entire property of the culprit as well as deprivation of rights according to art. 37, para 1, ite
m 6 and 7 .
(3) (Amend. - SG 103/20, in force from 01.01.2021) If, until the conclusion of the court investigati
on at the first instance court, the sum received is deposited in the state budget, in the budget of the state soci
al insurance or in the budget of the National Health Insurance Fund along with the interest, the penalty under 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.para 1 shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to one thousand levs, and under para 2 - i
mprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to three thousand levs.
 
Art. 257. (New, SG 62/97; in force from November 5, 97; revoked – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.
2006).
 
Art. 258. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked SG 10/93; new, SG 62/97) (1) (amend. - SG 33/11, in force 
from 27.05.2011) Whosoever unlawfully obstructs a revenue body to fulfil his legal obligation shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of one thousand to two thousand levs.
(2) If the act under para 1 has been committed by using force or threat, the penalty shall be impriso
nment of one to six years and a fine of two thousand to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 259. (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked SG 10/93; new, SG 62/97) Whosoever founds a non-profit c
orporate body or a foundation which does not carry out or colourable activity declared at the time of its regis
tration and a purpose of obtaining credits under its cover, to be exempt from taxes, to obtain tax relief or to o
btain other property benefit, as well as carry out prohibited activity shall be punished by imprisonment of up 
to three years, a fine of three to five thousand levs and revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 
6 and 7.
 
Art. 259a. (New, SG 51/00, declared unconstitutional by a Decision of the Constitutional Court № 
14 of 2000 - SG 98 of 2000) (1) An official who permits the payment of remuneration without having inst
alled all due obligatory insurance deposits, if the unpaid sum is of large amount, shall be punished by impris
onment of up to three years.
(2) In the cases under para 1 the perpetrator shall not be punished if, until the conclusion of the cour
t investigation in the first instance court, he redeems in full his liability together with the due interest.
 
Art. 260. (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 28/82; revoked, SG 10/93; New, SG 62/97) (1) A licensed assess
or who presents untrue assessment or conclusion for the value of the assessed property, thus causing damage 
in serious cases, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and revoking of rights according to 
art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(2) (amend. - SG 67/08) Any registered auditor who endorses untrue annual accountancy report of a
n entrepreneur, being aware of this, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to 
five hundred levs, as well as by revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 260a. (New – SG, 101/17) (1) Anyone, who acquires or orders at his own expense, or at the ex
pense of a third person, directly, or indirectly with financial instrument, by illegally uses internal informatio
n, referring to them, and form this fact substantial adverse consequences have occurred, where it has been pe
rpetrated by a person, who has at disposal internal information, because of this, that:
1. he is a member of the administrative, management or supervision body of the issuer or a particip
ant on the market of quotas for issues, or
2. he has share participation in the capital of an issuer or participant on the market of quotas for issu
es, or
3. he has access to information through fulfilling an activity, profession or official duties,
Shall be punished for misuse of internal information with imprisonment up to 4 years and a fine of 
BGN 1000 to 3000, where the court may order deprivation from the right under Art. 37, Para. 1, p. 6 and 7 .
(2) The punishment under Para. 1 shall be imposed also to those, who acquires or orders at own exp
ense or at the expense of a third person, directly, or indirectly with financial instruments, by illegally uses int
ernal information, referring to them, acquired apart from the cases under Para. 1, about which it is known th
at it is internal and from this act, substantial dangerous consequences have occurred.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) The punishment under Para. 1 shall be imposed to those, who, after giving an order for a financi
al instrument, receives internal information, referring to the financial instrument, and on the basis of it withd
raws it, or changes it and from this fact substantial adverse consequences have occurred.
(4) The punishment under Para. 1 shall be imposed also to those, who after giving an order or offer 
at his own expense, or at the expense of a third party, in sales at an auction of quotas for issues and of other 
based on them tender products, which are conducted under Commission Regulation (EU) No 1031/2010 of 1
2 November 2010 on the timing, administration and other aspects of auctioning of greenhouse gas emission 
allowances pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a s
cheme for greenhouse gas emission allowances trading within the Community (OJ, L 302/1 of 18 November 
2010) receives internal information, referring to them and on the basis of it changes or withdraws an order or 
changes or withdraws an offer and from this substantial adverse consequences have occurred.
(5) Whoever, on the basis of internal information incites another person to acquire or order with fin
ancial instruments, change or withdraw order for a financial instrument, to which internal information refers, 
shall be punished by imprisonment up to 4 years.
(6) The punishment under Para. 5 shall be imposed also to those, who knows, that he has been incit
ed on the basis of internal information and gives, changes or withdraws an order for a financial instrument, t
o which the information refers and from this fact substantial adverse consequences have occurred.
(7) If the act under Para. 1 – 6 has been perpetrated:
1. by 2 or more persons, agreed upon it in advance;
2. by a person, who acts upon commitment or in fulfilling a decision of a criminal group;
3. repeatedly,
The punishment shall be imprisonment from 2 to 5 years and affine of BGN 1000 to 3000.
(8) In the cases under Para. 1 – 7, the crime subject shall be deprived of in favor of the state, and w
here it is absent, or has been expropriated, its equivalence shall be judged.
Art. 260b. (New – SG, 101/17) (1) Anyone, who illegally discloses to another person internal infor
mation, which he has bout a financial instrument, unless where the disclosure is made in habitual fulfillment 
of the activity, the profession or the official duties or is a market research, and from this fact have occurred s
ubstantial adverse consequences, shall be punished for illegal disclosure of internal information by imprison
ment up to 2 years.
(2) The punishment under Para. 1 shall also be imposed, to those, who discloses incitement, when h
e knows, that incitement is based on internal information, and from this disclosure, substantial adverse conse
quences have occurred.
Art. 260c. (New – SG, 101/17) (1) (Suppl. – 83/19) Anyone, who signs deals or gives orders for tra
de, or performs other kind of activity or action by giving false or misleading signals for the offer, seek or the 
price of a financial instrument or related spot contracts for goods or defines this price at an unusual or factio
us level, and from this fact have occurred substantial adverse consequences, shall be punished for manipulati
on of the market with imprisonment up to 4 years and a fine of BGN 1000 to 3000.
(2) Anyone, who through using a factious means or through misleading signs deals or gives orders f
or trade, or perpetrates other type of activity or act, which influences the price of one or more financial instr
uments or related spot contract for goods, and from this, substantial adverse consequences have occurred, sh
all be punished by imprisonment from 2 to 4 years.
(3) Anyone, who with the purpose to provide advantage, or to have benefit for himself or for anothe
r person, disseminates information through a media or in another way, which gives untrue or misleading sig
nals for the offer, seeking or the price of a financial instrument, or related spot contract for goods, or defines 
for one or more financial instruments or related spot contract for goods a price at unusual or factious level an
d from this fact substantial adverse consequences have occurred, shall be punished by imprisonment up to 4 
years and a fine from BGN 3000 to 5000.
(4) Anyone, who provides untrue or misleading information or entry data or in any other way mani
pulates calculation of a benchmark and form this have occurred substantial adverse consequences, shall be p
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.unished by imprisonment from 1 to 4 years.
(5) In the cases under Para. 1 – 4, the crime subject shall be deprived of in favor of the state, and w
here it is absent or expropriated, its equivalence shall be judged.
Art. 261 - 268. (Revoked, SG 10/93)
 
Chapter eight.  
OFFENCES AGAINST THE ACTIVITY OF STATE BODIES, PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS AND P
ERSONS PERFORMING PUBLIC DUTIES (Title amend. SG 43/05, in Force from 1st of September 
2005) 
Section I.  
Offences against the order governing  
Art. 269. (amend. - SG 27/09) (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever uses force or threat with the pur
pose of compelling a body of the authority, a representative of the public, a private bailiff or a assistant priva
te bailiff to fulfil or miss something by criminal breach of thrust or related to his function shall be punished 
by imprisonment of up to six years.
(2) If the offence under Para 1 has been committed by participants in a mob the abettors and the lea
ders shall be punished by imprisonment of two to eight years.
 
Art. 270. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; prev. text of art. 270 - SG 21/00; amend., SG 92/02, A
mend. SG 43/05, in Force from 1st of September 2005; amend. – SG 64/07; amend. - SG 27/09; amend. – S
G 26/10) Whosoever illegally obstructs a body of the authority, private bailiff or deputy private bailiff to ful
fil his duties shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of five hundred to two thousan
d levs.
(2) (New, SG 21/00; amend. - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10) If the obligations of the body of auth
ority are related to a control over the traffic of narcotic substances, analogues or precursors, the penalty shall 
be imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of ten thousand to fifty thousand levs.
 
Art. 270a. (New, SG 26/73; revoked, SG 89/86)
 
Art. 271. (Amend., SG 92/69; SG 28/82; revoked, SG 99/89)
 
Art. 272. (Amend., SG 28/82) (1) (amend. SG 103/04) Whosoever unwarrantedly leaves a populate
d area despite of the prohibition imposed through the due administrative channels shall be punished by impri
sonment of up to six months or probation.
(2) Whosoever, after the respective warning, continues to violate systematically the legally establis
hed measures of administrative supervision regarding him shall be punished by probation for a period of up t
o one year.
 
Art. 273. (New – SG 102/06) Whosoever discloses information, ascertaining affiliation to State Sec
urity or the intelligence offices of the Bulgarian National Army, in violation of the Act On Access To And 
Disclosure Of The Documents And Announcing Affiliation Of Bulgarian Citizens With The State Secu
rity Service And The Intelligence Services Of The Bulgarian National Army , shall be punished by impri
sonment of three to six years and a fine amounting from fifteen thousand to thirty thousand BGN.
 
Art. 274. (1) Whosoever unwarrantedly commits an act within the scope of the office of an official 
which he does not occupy or of which he has been deprived shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.year or by probation.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed to those who unwarrantedly commits an act within the scope 
of the function of a public representative which has not been assigned to him or of which he has been depriv
ed, thus affecting illegally public or personal interests.
(3) Whosoever, without being entitled, wears uniform clothes or an official sign, shall be punished 
by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation, as well as by public reprimand.
 
Art. 274a. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. and suppl. – SG 26/10) Whosoever keeps or wears a unifor
m, official signs or insignia in violation of the Ministry of Interior Act , Act on the Defence and Armed F
orces of the Republic of Bulgaria , the Execution of Penalties and Detention Act , or the Judiciary Syste
m Act shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or probation.
(2) (amend. – SG 26/10) If the act under para 1 has been committed with the purpose of committing 
another crime, the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to six years.
(3) (new – SG 26/10) Whosoever tarnishes, illegally destroys or damages any uniform, official mar
ks or notices which have been worn or placed according to the Law of the Ministry of Interior, the Law on D
efence and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Law on Execution of Penalties and Detention 
or rthe Law on Judiciary, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year.
 
Art. 275. (Amend., SG 28/82) (1) (amend.- SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 103.04, sup
pl. – SG 43/05, amend. – SG 64/07) Whosoever, being obliged by law to render assistance to a body of the a
uthority, private bailiff or deputy private bailiff, fails to do so after being duly invited, shall be punished by 
probation or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) Whosoever, after being invited by the respective official in a case dangerous for the life, health 
or property of somebody, refuses to come to the assistance which he can give without any danger for himself 
or for another, shall be punished by probation or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 276. (1) Whosoever forges or lets in circulation forged official certifying signs, such as seals, s
igns for the quality of precious metals, entry tickets, transportation tickets and the like shall be punished by i
mprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever deliberately uses such a forged si
gn shall be punished by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(3) Whosoever illegally misappropriates, destroys or hides official certifying signs used for establis
hing, payment or accounting of values, unless the act represents a more serious offence, shall be punished by 
imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(4) Whosoever, without due permit, works out a seal of a state or public organisation, shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
(5) The same penalty shall be imposed on those who misappropriate a seal of a state or public organ
isation with the purpose of using it illegally.
 
Art. 277. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93) (1) (Amend., SG 92/02, Amend. SG 43/05, in Force from 
1st of September 2005; amend. – SG 64/07) Whosoever deliberately obliterates or damages a seal affixed on 
legal grounds by a body of the authority, private bailiff or deputy private bailiff, on chattel or real object as a 
sign that the access to or administration with it are restricted, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to tw
o years or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02) The same penalty shall be imposed on the one who administers a possessio
n under constraint and left to him for keeping.
 
Art. 277a. (new - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04.2009) (1) Whoever seeks for archaeological object
s without appropriate permission shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) Whoever, without the appropriate permission, performs or orders the performance of terrain arc
haeological excavations, geophysical or underwater research or in breach of the legal order undertakes excav
ations works on the territory of an immovable cultural valuable or within its security zone shall be punished 
by imprisonment of up to six years and by fine from two thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(3) Where the commission of the acts under Para 1 and 2 involves usage of technical means or mot
or vehicles, the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to six years and fine from five thousand to fifteen th
ousand levs.
(4) Whoever orders or fails to prevent illegal activity in a protected territory for preservation of the 
cultural heritage shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years and by fine from two thousand to ten 
thousand levs.
(5) Whoever resumes, orders or fails to prevent the resumption of the activity under Para 4, after it 
was stopped by the competent authorities, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years and fine 
from three thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(6) The penalties under Para 4 and 5 shall apply also to anybody who organizes or leads the activity
, if he knew or assumed that it was carried out in breach of the Cultural Heritage Act .
(7) Whoever illegally makes, keeps or hides articles, materials, tools or computer programmes, that 
he knows or assumes are intended or have been used for seeking, storing, changing or moving archaeologica
l objects, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and the court may impose also deprivation of 
the right under Art. 37, Para 1, Item 7 .
(8) In the cases under Para 1 - 6 the court may also order confiscation of up to a half of the property 
of the guilty person, and under Para 7 - of a part or the entire property of the guilty person.
 
Art. 278. (Amend., SG 28/82; amend. - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04.2009) (1) Whoever finds a c
ultural valuable and fails to notify the authorities within seven days shall be punished by imprisonment of up 
to three years or by fine from five hundred to three thousand levs.
(2) When the cultural valuable possesses considerably high scientific or artistic value, the penalty s
hall be imprisonment of up to four years or fine from one thousand to five thousand levs.
(3) If destruction or damaging of the cultural valuable has followed, where this was not intended or 
conceived by the offender, the penalty shall be: in the cases under Para 1 - imprisonment of up to four years 
and fine from one thousand to five thousand levs, and in the cases under Para 2 - imprisonment of up to five 
years and fine from two thousand to ten thousand levs.
(4) The offender shall not be punished, when he communicates of the discovered cultural valuable a
fter the expiration of the term under Para 1, if the consequences under Para 3 have not yet occurred.
(5) An official who fails to request identification and registration of a cultural valuable shall be pun
ished by imprisonment of up to two years and the court may also impose deprivation of the right under Art. 
37, Para 1, Item 6 .
(6) Whoever keeps an archaeological object which is not identified and registered under the relevan
t order shall be punished by imprisonment of up to four years and by fine from two thousand to ten thousand 
levs, and where the object of the crime is natural heritage, and also where three or more archaeological objec
ts are kept - by imprisonment of up to six years and by fine from three thousand to fifteen thousand levs. Th
e court may also impose confiscation of up to the half of the property of the guilty person and deprivation of 
the rights under Art. 37, Para 1, Items 6 and 7 .
(7) The object of the crime shall be seized in favour of the state.
 
Art. 278a. (New, SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend - SG 27/09, in force from 10.04.2009) (1) W
hoever offers transfer of property or transfers the property in a cultural valuable, which is not identified or re
gistered, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years and by fine from one thousand to twenty t
housand levs.
(2) The penalty under Para 1 shall be imposed also on the person who acquires such cultural valuab
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.le.
(3) Where the acts referred to in Para 1 and 2 are repeated or qualify as dangerous recidivism, or ha
ve been commissioned or committed pursuant to a decision of an organised criminal group, as well as where 
they have been committed in order to export the object of the crime through the boundaries of the country, t
he penalty shall be imprisonment from three to ten years and fine from five thousand to fifteen thousand levs
.
(4) The same penalty shall be imposed to the person who without the appropriate permission export
s through the boundaries of the country a cultural valuable.
(5) The penalty under Para 1 - 4 shall be imposed also when the object of the crime is a document fr
om the National Archive Fund.
(6) The object of the crime shall be expropriated in favour of the state, and where it is missing or th
e ownership in it has been transferred, its equivalence shall be adjudged.
 
Art. 278b. (New, SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend., SG 26/04; amend. - SG 27/09, in force fro
m 10.04.2009) (1) Whoever illegally destroys or damages his own cultural valuable or document from the N
ational Archive Fund shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or fine from five hundred to tw
o thousand levs and also by public reprimand.
(2) Any official who illegally authorizes destruction, demolition, damaging, modification or export
ation of a cultural valuable or of a document from the National Archive Fund shall be punished by imprison
ment of up to five years or by fine from one thousand to five thousand levs and the court may impose also d
eprivation of the right under Art. 37, Para 1, Item 6 .
(3) If the act under Para 2 was followed by destruction, demolition, damaging, modification or expo
rtation of a cultural valuable, penalty shall be imprisonment from one to six years, fine from one thousand to 
five thousand levs and deprivation of the right under Art. 37, Para 1, Item 6 .
 
Art. 278b 1. (New – SG 1/19) (1) Whoever, for the purpose of acquiring property for himself or for 
another, forges a work of art, sculpture, graphics or archeological objects or sites, shall be punished with im
prisonment for up to one year and with a fine from two thousand to twenty thousand BGN.
(2) The punishment under Para. 1 shall also be imposed on a person offering to sell or selling as aut
hentic any works of art, sculpture, graphics or archaeological objects.
(3) Any person who gives a false statement certifying the authenticity of any works of art, sculpture
, graphics or archeological objects or sites, shall be punished with imprisonment of up to one year and with a 
fine from three thousand to thirty thousand BGN.
(4) If the act is committed by a person in the course of a commercial activity, the punishment shall 
be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine from ten thousand to fifty thousand BGN, as well as deprivat
ion of rights under Art. 37, Para. 1, item 7 .
(5) The object of the crime shall be seized in favour of the State.
 
Art. 278c. (New, SG 28/82; amend. and suppl., SG 86/91; prev. art. 278a - amend., SG 10/93; SG 8
5/97; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever illegally destroys or da
mages a protected territory or a habitat which is subject to protection in a protected zone shall be punished b
y imprisonment of up to three years or by probation, as well as by a fine from two thousand to ten thousand l
evs.
(2) Whoever destroys or damages exceptionally valuable single and irrecoverable earth and rock for
ms and caves, declared protected shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine amountin
g from two to twenty thousand levs.
(3) In those cases where the deed under para 1 or para 2 has been committed by negligence, the pen
alty shall be probatio and a fine amounting from one thousand to five thousand levs.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 278d. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever illegally destroys, damages, ac
quires, keeps or expropriates a specimen of a protected species of wild flora or fauna, provided that the act is 
not a minor case, shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or probation, as well as by a fine 
amounting from two thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) Whoever trades in specimens of protected species of wild flora or fauna, or parts or products of 
them, provided that the act is not a minor case, shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and a 
fine amounting from two thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(3) In those cases where the deed under para 1 or para 2 has been committed by negligence, the pen
alty shall be probation and a fine amounting from one thousand to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 278e. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whoever illegally destroys, damages, keeps, 
acquires or expropriates a specimen of European or world-wide endangered wild vertebrates or a specimen o
f the species under Appendix No. 3 to the Law for the Biological Diversity , marked with the sign (*), shal
l be punishable with imprisonment up to 5 years, as well as with a fine amounting from five thousand to twe
nty thousand levs.
 
Art. 279. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02(amend. SG 103/04)) Whosoever enters or exits 
through the state border without permit of the respective bodies of the authority or, though by a permit, how
ever not at the places determined for that purpose, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years and 
by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (New, SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04) If the act under par
a 1 is committed again the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of one hundred to thr
ee hundred levs.
(3) (Prev. para 2 - amend., SG 28/82) In the cases under the preceding paras the court, instead of a f
ine, can rule confiscation of a part or of the whole property of the culprit.
(4) (Prev. para 3 - amend., SG 28/82) Preparation for a crime according to para 1 and 2 shall be pun
ished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(5) (Prev. para 4 - amend., SG 28/82) Not punished shall be those who enter the country in order to 
avail themselves of the right to asylum according to the Constitution .
 
Art. 280. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; revoked SG 37/89; New SG 62/97) (1) (amend. - SG 74/1
5) Whosoever takes across the border of the country individuals or groups of people without permit of the re
spective bodies of the authority or, though by a permit but not at the places determined for that purpose, shal
l be punished by imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of five thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(2) (amend. - SG 74/15) The penalty hall be imprisonment of one to ten years, a fine of ten thousan
d to thirty thousand levs and a confiscation of a part or the whole property of the perpetrator if:
1. a person who has not accomplished 16 years of age has been taken across the border;
2. the transfer has taken place without the consent of the person;
3. the person transferred across the border is not a Bulgarian citizen;
4. motor, air or other vehicle has been used;
5. (amend. - SG 74/15) the transfer has been organised by a group or organisation;
6. (new - SG 27/09) the transfer was carried out in a way, which was dangerous to the life of the tra
nsferred persons.
(3) (new - SG 74/15) The penalty shall be imprisonment of three to twelve years, a fine of ten thous
and to thirty thousand levs and confiscation of a part or the entire property of the perpetrator, where the act 
was committed with the participation of an official, who took advantage of his official capacity.
(4) (prev. text of Para 03, suppl. - SG 74/15; declared unconstitutional in the part "or was voluntaril
y provided to him" with Decision of the Constitutional court № 12 of 2021 - SG 84/21) In the cases of p
ara 2, item 4 the vehicle shall be seized in favour of the state if it was owned by the perpetrator or 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.was voluntarily provided to him .
 
Art. 281. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; revoked SG 37/89; new - SG 27/09; prev. text of Art. 281, amend
. and suppl. - SG 74/15) Whoever, with the purpose of obtaining for himself or for somebody else property b
enefit, illegally assists a foreigner to reside or move into the country contrary to the law, shall be punished b
y imprisonment of up to five years and a fine from three thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) (new - SG 74/15) The penalty shall be imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of five thous
and to twenty thousand levs, where the act was:
1. committed by using a motor, air or other transportation vehicle;
2. organised by a group or an organisation;
3. committed in a life-threatening manner for the person;
4. committed with regard to a person under the age of 16;
5. committed with regard to more than one person.
(3) (New - SG 74/15, declared unconstitutional in the part "or was voluntarily provided to him" wit
h Decision of the Constitutional court № 12 of 2021 - SG 84/21) In the cases of Para 2, Item 1, the ve
hicle shall be seized in favour of the state, if it was owned by the perpetrator or was voluntarily provi
ded to him.
 
Section II.  
Criminal Breach of Trust  
Art. 282. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) An official who vi
olates or does not fulfil his official duties, or exceeds his authority or rights with the purpose of obtaining for 
himself or for another benefit or to cause somebody else damage which can cause major harmful damages, s
hall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years, whereas the court can also rule revoking of rights acco
rding to art. 37, para 1, item 6 , or probation.
(2) (Amend. and suppl., SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the act has cau
sed substantial consequences or it has been committed by a person who occupies an important official positi
on the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to eight years, whereas the court can also rule revoking of rights 
according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(3) (New, SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty for particularly gra
ve cases under the preceding para shall be imprisonment of three to ten years, whereas the court shall also ru
le revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(4) (New, SG 62/97) The penalty under para 3 shall also be imposed on an official who has commit
ted the offence with the participation of a person according to art. 142, para 2, item 6 and 8 .
(5) (New, SG 21/00) If the act under the preceding paras is related to exercising control over the pr
oduction, processing, storing, trade in the country, the import, export, transit and accountancy of narcotic su
bstances and precursors the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to ten years under para 1 and three to fifteen 
years under para 2.
 
Art. 282a. (New, SG 62/97) An official who, in the presence of the conditions stipulated by a norm
ative act, necessary for issuance of special permit for carrying out certain activity, refuses or delays its issua
nce beyond the law determined terms shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to 
five hundred levs and revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
 
Art. 283. (Amend., SG 26/73, SG 28/82) An official who uses his official position in order to provi
de for himself or for somebody else unlawful benefit shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 283a. (New, SG 62/97) If the offences under art. 282 and 283 are related to the privatisation, s
ale, renting or leasing, as well as the inclusion in trade companies of state, municipal and cooperative proper
ty, as well as property of corporate bodies the penalty shall be:
1. under art. 282 - imprisonment of three to ten years, a fine of three to five thousand levs and revo
king rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 ;
2. under art. 283 - imprisonment of one to three years, a fine of one thousand to three thousand levs 
and revoking rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 283b. (New, SG 62/97; Suppl., SG 92/02) An official who obstructs or frustrates the exercising 
by the owners of their rights restored according to the Restoring ownership of nationalized real estate Act
, according to the Act On Restoration Of The Ownership In Some Alienated Properties Under The La
w Of Territorial And Urban Development, The Law Of Planned Development Of The Settlements, Th
e Law Of Public Works In The Settlements, The Law Of The State Properties And The Law Of Owne
rship, and according to the Farm Lands Ownership And Use Act  and the Compensation Of Nationalize
d Property Owners Act , the Privatisation and post-privatisation control Act  or through enforced judicia
l acts related to another law shall be punished by imprisonment of two to six years.
 
Art. 284. (amend., SG 26/04) (1) An official who, to detriment of the state, an enterprise, an organis
ation or an individual, announces to another or promulgates information entrusted to him or accessible by vir
tue of office, and for which he knows that they represent official secret, shall be punished by imprisonment 
of up to two years or by probation.
(2) The penalty for an act under para 1 shall also be imposed on a non-official working in a state est
ablishment, enterprise or public organisation, to whom, in connection with his work, has become known cert
ain information representing official secret.
(3) (amend. – SG 9/21, in force from 06.02.2021) If the act under para 1 has been committed by an 
expert, translator or interpreter in Bulgarian sign language regarding information having become known to h
im in connection with the assigned task, and which he is obliged to keep secret, the penalty shall be imprison
ment of up to two years or probation.
 
Art. 284a. (new – SG 102/06) An official - member of the Commission for disclosure of the docum
ents and announcing affiliation to State Security or the intelligence offices of the Bulgarian National Army o
r from its administration, who discloses information or disseminates a document in violation of the Act On 
Access To And Disclosure Of The Documents And Announcing Affiliation Of Bulgarian Citizens With 
The State Security Service And The Intelligence Services Of The Bulgarian National Army , which hav
e become known to him/her in his/her capacity as such, shall be punished by imprisonment of three to six ye
ars and a fine amounting from fifteen thousand to thirty thousand BGN.
 
Art. 284b. (new – SG 102/06) An official, who does not remove from report an assistant or an empl
oyee under cover, holding public position or carrying out public activity within the meaning of the Act On 
Access To And Disclosure Of The Documents And Announcing Affiliation Of Bulgarian Citizens With 
The State Security Service And The Intelligence Services Of The Bulgarian National Army , shall be pu
nished by imprisonment of three to six years and a fine amounting from fifteen thousand to thirty thousand 
BGN.
 
Art. 284c. (new - SG 27/09) Any official who illegally authorizes or orders the use of special invest
igation devices, or implements them, or stores information acquired through them shall be punished by impri
sonment from one to five years and by fine of up to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 285. An official who deliberately admits commission, by a person subordinated to him, of a cri
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.me related to his office or work, shall be punished by the penalty stipulated for the committed crime.
 
Section III.  
Offences against the Justice  
Art. 286. (1) (Amend., SG 62/97) Whosoever, before a respective body of the authority, charges so
mebody with a crime, knowing that he is innocent, or presents false evidence against him shall be punished f
or false accusation by imprisonment of one to six years and by public reprimand.
(2) (Revoked, prev. para 3 - amend., SG 62/97) If the falsely accused person is criminally indicted, 
the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to ten years.
 
Art. 287. (amend., SG 26/04; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) A body of the authorit
y who, within the scope of his duties, alone or through another, uses illegal compulsory means, in order to e
xtort from an accused, witness or expert a confession, testimony or conclusion or information shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of three to ten years and by divesting of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 
7.
 
Art. 287a. (New, SG 62/97) Whosoever, for the purpose of misleading a body of the judiciary autho
rity:
1. works out false technical records or forges genuine ones;
2. destroys a record or a part of it, gather or arrange the data of the record, thus creating false impre
ssion about the substantial circumstance;
3. uses forged technical records;
4. uses unlawfully the information acquired by special intelligence devices,
shall be punished by imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of five hundred to one thousand l
evs.
 
Art. 288. (Amend., SG 50/95; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) A body of the authorit
y who fails to fulfil in due time the functions required by the office regarding the criminal proceedings, or in 
any other way frustrates such proceedings with the purpose of releasing another from a penalty due for him 
by a law shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years and by revoking of right according to art. 37
, para 1, item 6 .
 
Art. 289. (Amend,. SG 62/97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) 
Whosoever persuades an official of the investigating bodies or of the prosecution or the judiciary bodies to v
iolate his official duty related to the jurisdiction shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years.
 
Art. 290. (1) Whosoever, before a court or other respective body of the authority, as a witness, verb
ally or in writing, deliberately confirms a falsehood or conceals the truth shall be punished for perjury by im
prisonment of up to five years.
(2) (Amend. – SG 9/21, in force from 06.02.2021) The same penalty shall also be imposed on a tran
slator or interpreter in Bulgarian sign language who, before a court or other respective body of the authority, 
verbally or in writing, deliberately presents untrue translation.
 
Art. 290a. (New, SG 28/82) Whosoever confirms a falsehood or conceals a truth in a written declar
ation, presented to a court, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 291. (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, as an expert before a cour
t or other respective body of the authority, verbally or in writing, presents untrue conclusion shall be punishe
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.d by imprisonment of one to five years and by revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the act under the preceding para has been com
mitted by negligence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation. The court can also ru
le revoking of the right according to art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
 
Art. 292. (1) For a crime under art. 290 and 291 the indictability shall be dropped:
1. if the person, if he tells the truth, would charge himself with a crime and
2. (amend. – SG 9/21, in force from 06.02.2021) if the person renounces before the respective body 
his perjury, translation or conclusion until the enactment of the sentence or the decision and before institutio
n criminal proceedings against him for that act.
(2) (New, SG 89/86) The provision of item 2 of the preceding para shall also apply in the cases of a
rt. 290a when the person withdraws his declaration before a decision is passed on the case with respect to w
hich it has been presented.
 
Art. 293. (1) (Prev. text of art. 293; suppl., SG 89/86) Whosoever abets another in crime under art. 
290, 290a and 291 shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
(2) (New, SG 89/86) If two or more persons are abetted and the case is particularly severe, the pena
lty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 293a. (New, SG 62/97; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, after being 
convicted to oblige a pecuniary liability by an effective court act, and during a period of one year from its en
actment does not fulfil his obligation to the creditor despite of the presence of pecuniary resources or propert
y for that, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Art. 294. (1) (Amend., SG 62/97) Whosoever helps a person, who has committed a crime, to escape 
or frustrate criminal proceedings against him, or it remains unpunished, without having had agreement with t
hat person before the commission of the crime itself, shall be punished for harbouring by imprisonment of u
p to five years, however by a penalty no more severe than the stipulated for absconding.
(2) If this is committed for the purpose of a property benefit, the penalty shall be imprisonment of u
p to five years, however by a penalty no more severe than the stipulated for absconding.
(3) The above provisions shall not apply regarding the spouses, the descendants, the ascendants, the 
brother and the sisters of the absconding person, as well as their spouses.
(4) (New, SG 62/97; amend. - SG 27/09) If the perpetrator is a judge, prosecutor, investigator or a p
olice authority, investigating policeman, the penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years.
 
Art. 295. (Amend., SG 50/95; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) A body of the authorit
y who, with the purpose of saving another from penalty or to delay the fulfilment of the penalty, fails to fulfi
l an enacted conviction, if by virtue of his office he has been obliged to do the necessary for the enforcement 
of the sentence, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years, whereas the court can deprive him of t
he right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6  or by probation.
 
Art. 296. (Amend., SG 92/02) (1) (suppl. - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 102/09, in force from 22.12.200
9; suppl. - SG 41/15, in force from 06.07.2015) Whosoever obstructs or frustrates, in any way whatsoever, t
he enforcement of a court decision or fails to perform an order for protection from domestic violence or Eur
opean protection order  shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to five thousan
d levs.
(2) Whosoever, for the purpose of obstructing or frustrating the enforcement of a court decision, de
stroys, damages, receives or alienates a possession concerned by this decision, shall be punished by impriso
nment of up to three years or a fine of one thousand to ten thousand levs, unless the act does not constitute a 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.more severe crime.
(3) (new – SG 60/11) Whoever violates a prohibition on visiting sports events in the state or abroad 
within the term of the prohibition, imposed pursuant to the Protection of Public Order during Sports Eve
nts Act, after being punished for the same act through administrative proceedings, shall be punishable by im
prisonment of up to three years or by probation.
(4) (New - SG 16/19) If the act under Para. 1 is repeated, the penalty shall be imprisonment for one 
to five years.
 
Art. 297. (1) A prisoner who escapes shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(2) If the prisoner has used for his escape undermining, demolition, tearing of walls, doors, window
s and other, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years.
(3) Prisoner is every restrained in custody by the order established by the law.
 
Art. 298. (1) Prisoners who have conspired to escape through joint efforts shall be punished by imp
risonment of up to two years.
(2) If the prisoners begin the fulfilment of the planned escape, the penalty shall be imprisonment of 
up to five years.
 
Art. 299. (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) An official who, without authorisation, rel
eases or lets a prisoner to escape shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years, whereas the court ca
n deprive the culprit from the right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
 
Art. 300. (revoked – SG 103/04)
 
Section IV.  
Bribery 
Art. 301. (1) (Amend., SG 51/00; Amend., SG 92/02) An official who requests or accepts a gift or a
ny other benefit whatsoever, which is not due, in order to perform or not an act on business or because he ha
s or has not performed such an activity shall be punished for bribery by imprisonment of up to six years and 
a fine of up t five thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 51/00; Amend., SG 92/02) If the official has committed some of the acts under pa
ra 1 in order to offend or because he has offended his office, if this offence does not represent a crime, the p
enalty shall be imprisonment of up to eight years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
(3) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 51/00; Amend., SG 92/02) If the official has committed some of the act
s under para 1 in order to commit or because he has committed another crime related to his office, the penalt
y shall be imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of up to fifteen thousand levs.
(4) (Amend., SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases under the prece
ding paras the court shall also rule revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(5) (New, SG 92/02) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on a foreign official who reque
sts or accepts bribery or accepts an offer or a promise for bribery.
 
Art. 302. For a bribery made:
1. (Suppl., SG 92/02; suppl. – SG 26/10) by a person who holds an official position of responsibilit
y, including a judge, member of the jury, prosecutor or investigator or by a police body or an investigating p
oliceman;
2. through extortion through embezzlement;
3. (amend., SG 28/82) repeatedly and
4. in large size, the penalty shall be:
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.a) (suppl., SG 89/86; amend., SG 51/00; Suppl., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10
.200) in the cases of art. 301, para 1 and 2  - imprisonment of three to ten years, a fine of up to twenty thous
and levs and revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 ;
b) (amend., SG 89/86; Suppl., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.200) in the cases 
of art. 301, para 3  - imprisonment of three to fifteen years, a fine of up to twenty five thousand levs and con
fiscation of up to one seconds of the property of the culprit, whereas the court shall also rule revoking of rig
hts according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 302a. (New, SG 89/86; Suppl., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.200) For a b
ribe of particularly large size, representing a particularly serious case, the penalty shall be imprisonment of t
en to thirty years, a fine of up to thirty thousand levs, confiscation of the whole or a part of the property of th
e culprit and revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 303. (Amend., SG 92/02; revoked - SG 74/15)
 
Art. 304. (Amend., SG 92/02) (1) Whosoever offers, promises or gives a gift or any other benefit w
hatsoever to an official in order to fulfil or not an activity related to his office, or because he has fulfilled or 
not such activity, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
(2) If, in connection with the bribery, the official has violated his official obligations, the penalty sh
all be imprisonment of up to eight years and a fine of up to seven thousand levs, where this offence does not 
constitute a more severe crime.
(3) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed to those who offer, promise or give a bribe to a f
oreign official.
 
Art. 304a. (New, SG 51/00; Amend., SG 92/02; suppl. – SG 26/10) Whosoever offers, promises or 
gives a bribe to an official holding a position of responsibility, including to a judge, a member of the jury, a 
prosecutor or an investigator, a police body or an investigating policeman, shall be punished by imprisonme
nt of up to ten years and a fine of up to fifteen thousand levs.
 
Art. 304b. (New, SG 92/02) (1) Whosoever requests or accepts a gift or whatever benefit which is n
ot due, or accepts an offer or a promise of a gift or benefit, in order to exert influence in taking a decision by 
an official or by a foreign official related to his office, shall be punished by imprisonment of up t six years o
r a fine of up to five thousand levs.
(2) Whosoever offers, promises or gives a gift or whatever benefit which is not due to a person mai
ntaining that he can exert influence according to para 1 shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three yea
rs or a fine of up to three thousand levs.
 
Art. 304c. (new - SG 74/15) The penalties under the preceding articles shall be imposed also when 
with the consent of the official, the foreign official or the person claiming to be able to exercise influence, th
e gift or the benefit has been offered, promised or given to another person.
Art. 305. (Amend., SG 92/02) (1) The penalties for bribery under the preceding articles shall also b
e imposed on an arbitrator or an expert, appointed by a court, establishment, enterprise or organisation, if he 
commits such acts in connection with his assigned task, as well as on those who offers, promises or gives su
ch a bribe.
(2) The penalties for bribery under the preceding articles shall also be imposed on a defender or a cl
ient when they commit such acts in order to help settlement in favour of the opposite party or to the detrime
nt of the client a criminal or civil case, as well as on the one who offers, promises and gives such a bribe.
 
Art. 305a. (New, SG 28/82; Amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever mediates the commission of some of th
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.e acts under the preceding paras, unless the act represents a more severe crime, shall be punished by impriso
nment of up to three years and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 306. (Amend., SG 92/02) Not punished shall be the one who has offered, promised or given a 
bribe if he has been blackmailed by the official, the arbitrator or by the expert to do that or if he has informe
d the authorities immediately and voluntarily.
 
Art. 307. (Amend., SG 51/00) Whosoever intentionally creates circumstances or conditions in order 
to provoke offering, giving or receiving of a bribe with a purpose of doing harm to those who gives or receiv
es the bribe shall be punished for provoking a bribe by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 307a. (New, SG 28/82; Amend., SG 92/02) The subject of the crime under this section shall be 
seized in favour of the state, and if it is missing its equivalence shall be adjudicated.
 
Chapter eight.  
"a" CRIMES AGAINST SPORTS (NEW - SG 60/11)  
Art. 307b. (New - SG 60 /11) Whoever, by using violence, deception, intimidation or other unlawfu
l means, persuades another person to influence the development or outcome of a sporting event, administere
d by a sports organization, shall be punishable by imprisonment from one to six years and a fine amounting f
rom one thousand to ten thousand levs, if the act does not constitute more serious crime.
 
Art. 307c. (New - SG 60 /11) (1) Whoever promises, offers or gives another person a benefit which 
is not due in order to influence or because the person has influenced the development or outcome of a sporti
ng event, administered by a sports organization, shall be punishable by imprisonment from one to six years a
nd a fine amounting from five thousand to fifteen thousand levs.
(2) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on a person who asks for or accepts any benefit 
which is not due or accepts an offer or promise for a benefit in order to influence or because the person has i
nfluenced the development or outcome of a sporting event, as well as to a person with whose consent the be
nefit has been offered, promised or given to a third party.
(3) Whoever mediates so as to be committed any of the acts under para 1 and 2, if the act does not c
onstitute more serious crime, shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to fiv
e thousand levs.
(4) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on a person who provides or organizes the provi
sion of the benefit.
(5) The perpetrator shall be punished under the terms of Art. 55, if the latter notifies a proper autho
rity of a crime under paras 1 through 4.
 
Art. 307d. (New - SG 60 /11) (1) The penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years and a f
ine amounting from ten thousand to twenty thousand levs, in those cases where the act under Art. 307b  and 
307c has been committed:
1. in regard to a participant in a sports competition under 18 years of age;
2. in regard to two or more participants in a sports competition;
3. in regard to or by a person who is a member of a managing of control body of a sports organizati
on, a referee, delegate or another person during or on occasion of performance of their official duties or func
tions;
4. repeatedly.
(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment from three to ten years and a fine amounting from fifteen tho
usand to thirty thousand levs, in those cases where the act under Art. 307b  or Art. 307c :
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.1. has been committed by a person acting on behalf of or pursuant to a decision of an organized cri
minal group;
2. has been committed under the terms of dangerous recidivism;
3. is a particularly serious case;
4. refers to a sports competition included in a gambling game with betting on the development or o
utcome of sporting events.
 
Art. 307e. (New - SG 60 /11) (1) In the cases referred to in Art. 307b , 307c and 307d the court may 
also rule deprivation of rights pursuant to Art. 37, para 1, items 6 and 7 .
(2) In the cases referred to in Art. 307d  the court may also rule seizure of up to one half of the culp
rit’s property.
 
Art. 307f. (New - SG 60 /11) The subject of the crime envisaged in the present chapter shall be seiz
ed in favour of the state, and in those cases where it is missing or expropriated, its equivalence shall be awar
ded.
 
Chapter nine.  
DOCUMENTARY OFFENCES  
Art. 308. (1) Whosoever draws an untrue official document or forges the contents of an official doc
ument with the purpose of being used shall be punished for forging a document by imprisonment of up to thr
ee years.
(2) (new, SG 26/04; amend. - SG 27/09) When subject of the act under para 1 are certificates about 
heirs or acts on the civil status, notary acts or notary certificates, Bulgarian or foreign identification docume
nts, documents for degree of education or for acquired qualification, certificates for driving vehicles, for regi
stration of vehicles, visa stickers or other documents certifying transfer or constitution of property or other r
eal rights, legal capacity, personal or registration data the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to eight years.
(3) (new, SG 26/04; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) The penalty shall be imprisonm
ent of up to ten years, where:
1. (amend. – SG, 101/17) the act under para 2 has been committed with a purpose of facilitating a c
rime under Art. 108a, para 1, 2, 6 or para 7 ;
2. the act under para 2 has been committed with a purpose of material benefit.
(4) (New, SG 28/82, prev. para 2 amend., SG 26/04) In minor cases the penalty shall be:
1. under para 1 – imprisonment of up to six months or probation;
2. under para 2 – imprisonment of up to two years;
3. under para 3 – imprisonment of up to three years.
(5) (new, SG 26/04) For preparation of crime under para 1 the penalty shall be imprisonment of up 
to one year. For preparation of a crime under para 2 and 3 or for association for the purpose of committing o
ne of the crimes defined by them the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to six years.
(6) (new, SG 26/04) Not punished shall be the participant in the association who, before the comple
tion of a false official document or forging the contents of an official document (if the association was forme
d for this purpose) or before the beginning of the distribution of false or forged documents (if the association 
was formed for that purpose) gives up the act and informs the authorities about it.
(7) (new, SG 26/04) Whosoever works out, keeps or hides objects, materials or instruments for whi
ch he knows or suspects that they are designated for or have been used for making or forging a document un
der para 2 and 3, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
 
Art. 309. (1) Whosoever alone or through another draws an untrue private document or forges the c
ontents of a private document and uses it in order to prove the existence or non-existence, or termination or 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.amendment of a certain right or obligation or some legal relation shall be punished for document forgery by 
imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) If the crime has as a subject securities the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
(3) (Amend., SG 10/93 amend. – SG, 101/17) Where the act under Para. 1 has been perpetrated in o
rder to prove that there are or not, or that are terminated or changed rights over assets, shares from a trade co
mpany or part, or whole undertaking as combination of rights, duties and factious relations, the punishment s
hall be imprisonment from 1 to 6 years.
(4) (New – SG, 101/17) Where with an act under Para. 3 damages have been caused in especially la
rge proportions, which is a very severe case, the punishment shall be imprisonment from one to 10 years. Th
e court may order confiscation of a part or of the whole property of the guilty person and to deprive him fro
m rights under Art. 37, Para. 1, p. 6 and 7 .
(5) (New – SG, 101/17) In minor cases under Para. 1 and 2, the punishment shall be probation or a 
fine of BGN 100 to 300, and under Para. 3 – imprisonment of 1 year, or probation, or fine of BGN 100 to 30
0.
 
Art. 310. (1) (amend. and suppl., SG 26/04) If the crime under art. 308, para 1  and art. 309, para 
1 and 2 has been committed by an official within the scope of his duties, the penalty shall be imprisonment 
of up to five years, and in the cases of art. 308, para 2 and 3  – imprisonment of up to twelve years, whereas 
the court can also rule revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(2) (New, SG 28/82) In minor cases the penalty shall be imprisonment of up o one year or probatio
n.
 
Art. 311. (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) An official who, within the scope of hi
s duties, draws an official document certifying untrue circumstances or statements with the purpose of using 
this document as a proof of these circumstances or statements shall be punished by imprisonment of up to fi
ve years, whereas the court can also rule revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(2) In minor cases the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
 
Art. 312. (1) A physician who provides somebody with a false certificate for the status of his health 
when he is not acting as an official shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(2) Under the same circumstances a veterinarian who issues a document of untrue contents for the h
ealth status of an animal shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Art. 313. (Amend., SG 28/82) (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; Amend. and Suppl., SG 92/02; amend., SG 
92/02) Whosoever confirms a falsehood or conceals a truth in a written declaration or an announcement sent 
by electronic means which, by virtue of a law, edict or decree of the Council of Ministers, is presented to a b
ody of the authority for certifying the genuineness of certain circumstances shall be punished by imprisonme
nt of up to three years or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (New, SG 10/93; amend., SG 50/95; amend. – SG 26/10) If the act under para 1 has been comm
itted with the purpose of evading payment of due taxes, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to six years 
or a fine of twenty to one thousand levs.
(3) (Prev., para 2 - Amend., SG 10/93; Amend. and Suppl. SG 92/02) The penalty under para 1 shal
l also be imposed on those who confirm a falsehood or conceals a truth in a private document or an announc
ement sent by electronic means which, by an explicit provision of a law, edict or decree of the Council of Mi
nisters, is specially obliged to certify the truth, and he uses this document as a proof of falsely certified circu
mstances or statements.
(4) (New, SG 62/97) Whosoever, in connection with public offering of securities by a prospectus or 
a survey of the economic status uses untrue favouring data or withholds unfavourable ones, which are of sub
stantial importance for taking a decision for acquiring securities, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.three years and a fine of up to five hundred levs.
 
Art. 313a. (New, SG 89/86; amend., SG 99/89; revoked., prev. Art. 313b, New SG 54/92 - SG 10/9
3) (1) Whosoever, in a declaration under art. 4, para 2 of the Act On The Property Of The Bulgarian Co
mmunist Party, The Bulgarian National Agriculture Union, The Fatherland Front, The Dimitrov You
th Communist Union, The Union Of Active Fighters Against Fascism And Capitalism, And The Bulga
rian Trade Unions  confirms a falsehood or conceals a truth with the purpose of frustrating entirely or partia
lly the seizing of the illegally possessed state property shall be punished by imprisonment of three to eight y
ears.
(2) Whosoever, upon request, refuses to present a declaration according to art. 4, para 2 of the law u
nder para 1 shall be punished by imprisonment of two to six years.
(3) In the cases under para 1 and 2 the court can also rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, p
ara 1, item 6 and 7 .
(4) The perpetrator under para 1 and 2 shall not be punished if, while discovering the truth would ac
cuse himself of a crime, or his spouse, the descendants, ascendants, brothers or sisters.
 
Art. 313b.(new – SG 102/06) (1) Whosoever destroys, conceals, unmakes or damages document of 
State Security or of the intelligence offices of the Bulgarian National Army, shall be punished by imprisonm
ent of three to six years and a fine amounting from fifteen thousand to thirty thousand BGN.
(2) The same penalty shall be imposed on the person, who keeps a document in violation of the Act 
On Access To And Disclosure Of The Documents And Announcing Affiliation Of Bulgarian Citizens 
With The State Security Service And The Intelligence Services Of The Bulgarian National Army .
 
Art. 314. Whosoever deliberately becomes an instrument of introducing false circumstances or state
ments in an official document drawn by the established order on the grounds of a declaration of an individua
l shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
 
Art. 315. (1) Whosoever draws a document by filling out a list bearing the signature of the issuer, w
ith contents which do not coincide with the will of the signed, shall be punished according to the differences 
under art. 308 and 309.
(2) Punished, in compliance with the same differences, shall be those who through a fraud persuade
s another to sign a document with contents which do not coincide with the will of the signed.
 
Art. 316. The penalty stipulated by the preceding articles of the present chapter shall also be impose
d on those who deliberately avails himself of false or forged document, of a document with untrue contents 
or of a document under the preceding Art. if he cannot be charged with criminal liability for the drawing itse
lf.
 
Art. 317. Whosoever illegally avails himself of a document, knowing that the issuer has signed it w
ithout an intention of binding themselves by it, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by p
robation.
 
Art. 318. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. and suppl. – SG 26/10) Whoso
ever illegally uses an official document, issued to another person, with the purpose of misleading a an officia
l or a representative of the public, provided that the law does not qualify the act as a more serious crime, shal
l be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation or by a fine of one hundred to three hundr
ed levs.
 
Art. 319. Whosoever destroys, conceals or damages a document of another or not belonging to him 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.explicitly with the purpose of causing a damage to another or to provide for himself or for another a benefit 
shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or by probation.
 
Chapter nine.  
"A" COMPUTER CRIMES(New, SG 92/02)  
Art. 319a. (New, SG 92/02) (1) (amend. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) Wh
osoever unlawfully access to an information system, or parts of it, in not insignificant cases, shall be punishe
d by imprisonment for up to six years and a fine of up to three thousand levs.
(2) (Amend. – SG, 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) If the act under para 1 has been committed by two o
r more persons having arranged in advance such an act, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to six years 
and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
(3) (Suppl. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) If the act under para 1 has been c
ommitted repeatedly or in respect of data for creating electronic signature, the penalty shall be imprisonment 
for up to seven years and a fine of up to twenty thousand levs.
(4) (Amend. - SG 26/04; suppl. - SG 38/07, amend. and suppl. - SG 53/22) If the acts under para 1 - 
3 have been committed regarding information constituting a state or other secret protected by the law, or aga
inst an information system that is part of a critical infrastructure, the punishment shall be from four to eight 
years of imprisonment, unless subject to a more severe penalty.
(5) (Amend. - SG 53/22) If the act under Para. 4 has caused severe consequences, the penalty shall 
be from five to twelve years.
 
Art. 319b. (New - SG 92/02) (1) (amend. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) Wh
osoever, unlawfully adds, copies, uses, changes, transfers, deletes, damages, deteriorates, hides, destroys co
mputer data in an information system or stops the access to such data in not insignificant cases shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
(2) (Amend. – SG 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) If the act under para 1 has caused significant damag
es or other severe consequences have occurred, the penalty shall be imprisonment for up to seven years and 
a fine of up to twenty thousand levs.
(3) (Aaend. - SG 53/22) If the act under para 1 has been committed with the purpose of proprietary 
benefit, the penalty shall be imprisonment from five to seven years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
(4) (New – SG 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) If the act under Para. 1 has been perpetrated through a c
omputer programme, password, access code or other data for access to an information system or to a part of 
it, intended to affect more than one information system and the consequences under Para. 2 have occurred, t
he punishment shall be imprisonment from five to eight years and a fine of up to twenty thousand BGN.
(5) (New – SG, 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) The punishment shall be imprisonment from nine to tw
elve years and a fine of up to thirty thousand levs, where the act under Para. 1:
1. has been perpetrated by a person, who acts upon a commission or in fulfillment of a decision of a
n organized criminal group;
2. has been perpetrated against an information system, which is a part of a critical infrastructure.
 
Art. 319c. (New - SG 92/02) (1) (Suppl. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG,101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) Who
soever commits an act under art. 319b  regarding data provided by virtue of a law, by electronic means or on 
electronic, or other carrier, shall be punished by imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine of up to five t
housand levs.
(2) (Suppl. – SG 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) If the act under para 1 has a purpose of frustrating fulf
ilment of an obligation, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five to seven years and a fine of up to sev
en thousand levs.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 319d. (New - SG 92/02) (1) (Amend. - SG 38/07, amend. and suppl. – SG 101/17, amend. - SG 
53/22) Whosoever introduces a computer virus in an information system or computer network shall be punis
hed by imprisonmsnt for up to seven years and fined by up to five thousand levs.
(2) (new – SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17) The penalty of para 1 shall be imposed also on any per
son introducing another information system intended to spoil the functioning of a computer system or comp
uter network or to learn, delete, erase, change or copy computer data without permission, if such is required, 
as far as the act does not represent a more severe crime.
(3) (Prev. text of para 02, amend. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) If the act u
nder para 1 and 2 has caused considerable damages or it has been repeated, the penalty shall be imprisonmen
t for up to nine years and a fine of up to twenty thousand levs.
(4) (New - SG 53/22) If the deed under Para. 1 and 2 was committed against an information system 
or a computer network, which is part of a critical infrastructure, the punishment shall be imprisonment from 
five to twelve years and a fine of up to twenty thousand levs.
 
Art. 319e. (New - SG 92/02) (1) (Amend., SG 26/04; amend. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17, am
end. - SG 53/22) Whosoever creates, adds for himself, or for someone else, introduces, or in another way dis
seminates computer programmes, passwords, codes, or other similar access data to an information system, o
r part of it for the purpose of perpetrating a crime under Art. 171, Para. 3 , Art. 319a , 319b, 319c, or 319d s
hall be punished by imprisonment up to six years.
(2) (Suppl. - SG 38/07, amend. – SG, 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) Where with the act under Para. 1 
personal data, classified information, or other protected by the law secret have been disclosed, unless the co
mmitted is not a more severe crime, the punishment shall be imprisonment from four to seven years.
(3) (New – SG 101/17, amend. - SG 53/22) For an act under Para. 1, perpetrated with pledge, or by 
a person, who acts upon commission or fulfillment of a decision of an organized criminal group, or with it s
ubstantial damages have been caused, or other severe consequences have occurred, the punishment shall be i
mprisonment for up to nine years.
 
Art. 319f. (New - SG 92/02, amend. - SG 85/17, suppl. - SG 53/22) Whoever, in supplying informa
tion services, violates the provisions of Art. 6, para. 2, item 5 of the Electronic Document and Electronic 
Trust Services Act , shall be punished with imprisonment for up to six years and a fine of up to five thousan
d Levs, if not subject to a more severe punishment.
 
Chapter ten.  
OFFENCES AGAINST THE ORDER AND THE PUBLIC PEACE  
Art. 320. (1) (Prev. text of art. 320 - SG 92/02) Whosoever obviously abets in a crime by reading a 
sermon before a multitude of people, through circulation of publications or in other similar way shall be pun
ished by imprisonment of up to three years, but by a penalty not more severe that the one stipulated for the c
rime itself.
(2) (New, SG 92/02; amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011, suppl. – SG, 101/17) The penalt
y for an obvious instigation of a crime under art. 108, para 2 – 4, 6, or 7  shall be imprisonment from two to 
ten years.
 
Art. 320a. (New, SG 41/85; Suppl., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04, amend. – SG, 101/17) Whosoeve
r threatens to commit a crime according to art. 108a, para 1 – 4, 6, or 7 , art. 330, 333, 334, 336a, 340, 341
a, 341b, 341c, 342, para 3 , 344, 349, 350 or 352, para 1 , 356f, 356k, 356l, or 356m and this threat would e
xcite a justified apprehension of its fulfilment shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
 
Art. 321. (1) (Amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever forms or leads an organised criminal group shall be p
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.unished by imprisonment of three to ten years.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever participates in such a group shall be punished by imprisonment 
of one to six years.
(3) (New, SG 62/97; amend., SG 21/00; Amend., SG 92/02; suppl. - SG 27/09; amend. and suppl. – 
SG 26/10) If the group is armed, or formed for profit purposes or for the purpose of committing crime under 
Art. 142, Art.142a, Art.143aart. 243, 244, 253, 280, 337, art. 339, para 1 - 4 , art. 354a, para 1 and 2  and 
art. 354b, para 1 - 4  or an official participates in it, the penalty shall be:
1. under para 1 - imprisonment of five to fifteen years;
2. under para 2 - imprisonment of three to ten years.
(4) (New, SG 62/97) Not punished shall be a participant in the group who voluntarily delivers hims
elf up to the bodies of the authority and discloses everything he knows about the group, before a crime is co
mmitted by him or by it.
(5) (New, SG 62/97) A participant in the group who voluntarily delivers himself up to the bodies of 
the authority, discloses everything he knows about the group, thus substantially facilitating the discovery an
d the proving of crime committed by it shall be punished under the conditions of art. 55.
(6) (New, SG 92/02) Whosoever arranges with one or more persons to commit crimes in the countr
y or abroad, provided for which is a penalty of imprisonment of more than three years, and which aim at obt
aining proprietary benefit or exercising illegal influence on the activity of a body of the authority or of the lo
cal independent government shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years.
 
Art. 321a. (New, SG 62/97) (1) Whosoever participates in the leadership of an organisation or a gro
up which, by using force or exciting fear, concludes transactions or profit benefit, shall be punished by impri
sonment of three to eight years.
(2) Whosoever participates in such an organisation or a group shall be punished by imprisonment o
f up to five years.
(3) The property acquired as a result of this activity by the organisation, by the group or by their par
ticipants shall be seized in favour of the state if the persons from whom it has been acquired or their success
ors are unknown.
(4) Applied in the cases under the preceding paras shall be the provision of art. 321, para 4 and 5 .
 
Art. 322. Whosoever does not prevent the commission of an obviously major crime, if he could hav
e done it without a substantial difficulty and without a danger for himself or for another shall be punished by 
imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Art. 323. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend. and suppl., SG 62/97) Whosoever, without bei
ng authorised, and beyond the order established by the law, exercises his or another's real or presumed right 
contested by another shall be punished in serious cases by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up t
o one thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; SG 62/97) Whosoever without authorisation occupies a real esta
te, whose possession has been removed by the due order, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three y
ears and a fine of five hundred levs.
(3) The perpetrator shall not be punished if, upon a warning by the respective state body, he immed
iately restores the initial actual status.
(4) The provision of the preceding para shall not apply if the perpetrator, after the restoration, com
mits the same act again.
(5) (New, SG 50/95) If the act under para 1 has been committed by force or threat, the penalty shall 
be imprisonment of up to 6 years.
 
Art. 323a. (New, SG 27/73; amend., SG 28/82; corr., SG 31/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) Whosoever constructs a building on a cultivated land, 
agricultural land or on a pasture, without being entitled to do that, shall be punished by imprisonment of up t
o two years and by a fine of one thousand to three thousand levs.
(2) For a repeated commission of the crime under para 1, as well as for continuation of the construc
tion, after having been stopped by the due authorities, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to three year
s and a fine of two thousand to five thousand levs, as well as public reprimand.
 
Art. 324. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; SG 89/96; amend. SG 1/91; SG 10/ 93; amend., SG 92/02
) (1) Whosoever practices a profession or a craft without the respective capacity shall be punished by impris
onment of up to one year or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (Suppl., SG 83/98, amend. SG 76/05; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the profe
ssion or the craft are elated to the health care for the population, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to t
hree years and a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs. The same penalty shall be imposed to a physician
, a doctor in dental medicine and a master-pharmacist who practice their profession in violation of the establi
shed order.
(3) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the act under the preceding para is committed 
again, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs
, whereas the court can also rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 325. (1) Whosoever commits an indecent act, grossly violating the public order and expressing 
obvious disrespect of the society, shall be punished for hooliganism by imprisonment of up to two years or b
y probation, as well as by public reprimand.
(2) If the act is accompanied by a resistance against a body of the authority or a representative of th
e public carrying out an obligation of protecting the public order, or it is distinguished, by its contents, by an 
exceptional cynicism or impertinence the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years.
(3) (new - SG 95/16) If the act under Para 1 or 2 is committed during the operation of a motor vehic
le, the penalty shall be: under Para 1 - imprisonment up to three years and deprivation of the right under Art. 
37, Para 1, Item 7 ; under Para 2 - imprisonment up to five years and deprivation of the right under Art. 37, 
Para 1, Item 7 .
(4) (New, SG 28/82, amend. SG 103/04; prev. text of Para 03, suppl. - SG 95/16) If the act under th
e preceding paras is committed again, the penalty shall be: under para 1 - imprisonment of up to three years; 
under para 2 and 3 - imprisonment of one to five years.
(5) (Prev. para 3; amend., SG 28/82; Amend., SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04; prev. text of Para 04, a
mend. - SG 95/16) If the act under para 1 - 3 represents a dangerous recidivism, the penalty shall be impriso
nment of one to six years.
 
Art. 325a. (new - SG 27/09; amend. - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever organizes o
r takes part in fights with animals, breeds, trains or provides animals for fights shall be punished by imprison
ment of up to five years and by fine from one thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment from one to five years, as well as fine from five thousand to 
fifty thousand levs, where:
1. the act is repeated;
2. the act is committed by a veterinary doctor or technician, or by a person exercising activity or pr
ofession related to breeding of animals or taking care for them;
3. a minor or underage person is present at the fight;
4. the fights are being filmed for distribution.
(3) The penalty under para 2 shall also be imposed on persons who organize or participates in gamb
ling on animal fights.
(4) Persons who have committed the act shall not be punished if they voluntarily notify a due autho
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.rity of a committed crime under Art. Para 1 and para 3.
 
Art. 325b. (new - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever, by being cruel to a vertebrate, 
unlawfully causes death, serious or permanent damage to that animal, shall be punishable by imprisonment o
f up to three years and a fine amounting from one thousand to five thousand levs.
(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment from one to three years and a fine amounting from two to fiv
e thousand levs, where the act under para 1 has been committed:
1. by a person carrying out activity or profession related to breeding or taking care of animals;
2. in a manner or with means dangerous to the life of people or animals, in a manner extremely pain
ful towards the animal or with particular cruelty;
3. in public or in the presence of a minor or underage person;
4. repeatedly.
 
Art. 325c. (new - SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever does not take enough care of a 
vertebrate animal that is under their supervision and as a result of this the animal causes medium or severe b
odily harm to a person, shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or probation and a fine of u
p to five thousand levs.
(2) If in the cases under para 1 death has been caused, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to fi
ve years and a fine of up to ten thousand levs.
 
Art. 326. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 41/85; amend SG 92/02, amend. SG 103/04; prev. text of Art. 
326 – SG 26/10) Whosoever transmits by a radio, telephone or in any other way false calls or misleading sig
ns for help, accident or alarm shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) (New – SG 26/10, amend. - SG 28/20, in force from 24.03.2020) In those cases where considera
ble harmful effects have been caused as a result of the crime under para 1, the penalty shall be imprisonment 
of up to five years and a fine from ten thousand to fifty thousand levs.
 
Art. 327. (Amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 60/11
) (1) Whoever organises a gambling game in violation of the legally established procedure shall be punished 
by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of one thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment of one to eight years and a fine amounting from two thousan
d to fifty thousand levs, if the act under para 1:
1. has been committed under the terms of dangerous recidivism;
2. is a particularly serious case;
3. includes betting on the development or outcome of the sports event, administered by a sports org
anization.
(3) If the act under the preceding paras has been committed again, the penalty shall be imprisonmen
t of one to three years and a fine of ten to one hundred and fifty levs, and in particularly severe cases - impri
sonment of one to five years and a fine of fifty to five hundred levs.
(3) Whoever participates in a gambling game, organized in violation of the legally established proc
edure, shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
(4) In those cases where the act under para 3 has been committed repeatedly, the penalty shall be in
prisonment of up to three years and a fine amounting from five hundred to five thousand levs.
(5) The money and the items subject to the gambling game shall be seized in favour of the state, an
d if they are missing or expropriated, their equivalence shall be adjudicated.
(6) The propiator under para 3 shall not be punished, if he/she voluntarily notifies a relevant instanc
e of authority of a perpetrated offence under par. 1 and 2.
 
Art. 328. (Amend SG 92/02) (1) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; revoked – SG 26/10)
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) (amend. SG 103/04) Whosoever organises or leads such a group shall be punished by imprison
ment of up to one year or by probation.
(3) Whosoever leads a nomadic life, not settling at a permanent place of residence and does not pra
ctice a socially useful labour, shall be punished by probation for a period of up to two years.
 
Art. 329. (1) (Amend., SG 95/75, amend. SG 103/04) An able-bodied person of age, who continuou
sly does not practice a socially useful labour, receiving unearned income in unwarranted or immoral way, sh
all be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(2) Whosoever systematically practices begging shall be punished by probation for a period of up t
o two years.
 
Chapter eleven.  
GENERALLY DANGEROUS CRIME  
Section I.  
Offences committed in a generally dangerous way or by generally dangerous means  
Art. 330. (1) Whosoever sets on fire a building, a stock, agricultural or other products, a forest, mac
hines, a mine or other property of substantial importance shall be punished for arson by imprisonment of one 
to eight years.
(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years:
1. if the fire has been dangerous for the life of somebody;
2. if there has been a danger of its spreading over other property, such as the above;
3. if the property set on fire is of historic, scientific or artistic value or if the premises set on fire ke
pt objects of historic, scientific or artistic value.
4. (New, SG 92/02) if the arson has been an act of a person acting by an order or in fulfilment of a d
ecision of an organisation or a group under art. 321a or an organised criminal group.
5. (new, SG 26/04) if the burning forest or other property of significant value is located in a protect
ed territory.
(3) If in the cases under the preceding para substantial damages have occurred, the penalty shall be 
imprisonment of three to twelve years, and if a dead has been caused to somebody, when the perpetrator has 
not wanted or expected that, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
 
Art. 331. (1) Whosoever, by negligence sets on fire another's property according to the preceding A
rt. shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(2) (New, SG 92/02) Whosoever sets on fire stubble, thus causing fire in the forest fund, shall be pu
nished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of five hundred to five thousand levs.
(3) (Prev. para 2 - SG 92/02) If death or substantial damages have been caused, the penalty shall be 
imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Art. 332. The perpetrator shall not be punished for arson if, by his own conviction, he has extinguis
hed the fire immediately, before the occurrence of substantial damages.
 
Art. 333. If the objects under art. 330 have been damaged or destroyed by an explosion, the penalti
es stipulated by this Art. shall respectively be applied.
 
Art. 334. (1) Whosoever causes flooding, thus exposing to danger the life or the property of another
, shall be punished by imprisonment of three to twelve years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) If substantial damages have been caused in these cases, the penalty shall be imprisonment of fiv
e to fifteen years, and if a death of somebody has followed, if the perpetrator has not intended and expected t
hat, the penalty shall be imprisonment of ten to fifteen years.
 
Art. 335. (1) Whosoever causes flooding by negligence, thus exposing to danger the life and the pro
perty of another, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(2) If death or substantial damages have occurred, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five y
ears.
 
Art. 336. (Revoked, SG 41/85)
 
Art. 336a. (New – SG, 101/17) (1) Anyone, who creates danger for the life of someone else or for c
ausing severe or average bodily injury, or substantial property damage, where in violation of the established 
rules:
1. uses explosive, radioactive material, biological chemical or nuclear weapon or other nuclear devi
ce in an aircraft against or on a ship or on a fixed platform located on the continental shelf;
2. drops, pours, throws out or unloads form an aircraft or ship, or from a fixed platform, located on 
a continental shelf, explosive, radioactive material, biological chemical or nuclear weapon or another nuclea
r device;
3. drops, pours, throws out or unloads form an aircraft or ship, or from a fixed platform, located on 
a continental shelf petrol, liquid natural gas, dangerous or harmful substance, apart form the cases under p. 2
;
4. uses an aircraft or ship,
Shall be punished by imprisonment from 5 to 15 years.
(2) With the punishment under Para. 1 shall also be punished those, who unlawfully transports on a
n aircraft or on a ship weapons, dangerous substance, material, IT technology or other object, provided by an 
international agreement, enforced for the Republic of Bulgaria.
(3) Where an act under Para. 1 and 2 has caused severe or average bodily injury to another person, t
he punishment shall be imprisonment from 10 to 20 years.
(4) Where an act under Para. 1 and 2 has caused death to someone else, the punishment shall be im
prisonment from 15 to 20 years or life imprisonment.
(5) In the cases under Para. 1 – 4, the court shall impose also deprivation from the right under Art. 
37, Para. 1, p. 7 .
Art. 337. (Amend,. SG 41/85) (1) (Prev. text of art. 337 - amend, SG 50/95; Suppl., SG 92/02; ame
nd. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05. 2011; suppl. – SG 47/16) Whosoever manufactures, processes, alters, r
epairs, works out, stores, trades, transports, imports or exports explosives, firearms, non-firearms, chemical, 
biological or nuclear weapons, munitions and pyrotechnic articles or destroys cartridge munitions, anti-perso
nnel mines or other articles within the meaning of the Act On Implementation Of The Convention On Cl
uster Munitions And The Convention On Prohibition Of The Use, Stockpiling, Production And Trans
fer Of Anti-Personnel Mines And On Their Destruction  without having the right according to a law or wi
thout a permit issued by the respective body of the authority, where such is required, or does not carry it out 
according to the given permit, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years.
(2) (New, SG 50/95) The penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years if the act has been co
mmitted:
1. by an official who has misused his official status;
2. repeatedly in major cases.
(3) (New, SG 50/95) If the subject of the crime is of large size, the penalty shall be imprisonment o
f three to ten years.
(4) (New, SG 50/95) If the subject of the crime is of particularly large size and the case is particular
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.ly serious, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(5) (new, SG 26/04) For preparation of a crime under para 1 – 4 the penalty shall be imprisonment 
of up to two years.
 
Art. 338. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 26/10; amend. – SG 33/11, in fo
rce from 27.05.2011) Whosoever, by keeping, carrying, sending or working with explosives, firearms, munit
ions for firearms or pyrotechnic articles, does not take the necessary safety precautions and especially the m
easures stipulated by the respective regulations, ordinances or instructions shall be punished by imprisonme
nt of one to five years or by a fine of five hundred to three thousand levs.
(2) (new - SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10; amend. – SG 33/11, in force fr
om 27.05.2011) Whosoever provides a person, who has not accomplished 18 years of age, with explosives, 
weapons, munitions, firearms or pyrotechnic articles shall be punished by imprisonment of two to eight year
s, and by a fine of five thousand levs.
(3) (prev. text of para 2, amend. - SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 26/10) If as a r
esult of the acts under para 1 and 2, have occurred average or severe bodily injury or death, or a substantial d
amages of a property, caused to one or more persons, provided that the perpetrator has not wanted or expect
ed that, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years, and in particularly serious cases the penalty s
hall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(4) (new – SG 47/16) Where the subject of the offence are cartridge munitions, anti-personnel mine
s or other articles within the meaning of the Act On Implementation Of The Convention On Cluster Mu
nitions And The Convention On Prohibition Of The Use, Stockpiling, Production And Transfer Of An
ti-Personnel Mines And On Their Destruction , the penalty shall be:
1. in cases referred to in par. 1 – imprisonment for a period from two to eight years;
2. in cases referred to in par. 2 – imprisonment for a period from three to twelve years and a fine of 
up to ten thousand BG levs;
3. in cases referred to in par. 3 – imprisonment for a period from five to twelve years, and in grave 
cases – imprisonment for a period from six to fifteen years.
 
Art. 339. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 41/85; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoso
ever acquires, in any way whatsoever, keeps or submits to another explosives, firearms, chemical, biological 
or nuclear weapons, munitions for firearms or pyrotechnic articles without having due permit shall be punish
ed by imprisonment of two to eight years.
(2) If the case is regarding explosives, firearms chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, munitions 
for firearms or pyrotechnic articles in large quantities, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten year
s.
(3) Whosoever alienates or submits explosives or firearms chemical, biological or nuclear weapons 
or pyrotechnic articles to a person who has no permit for their acquisition shall be punished by imprisonmen
t of two to eight years.
(4) The penalty under para 3 shall also be imposed on those who alienate or submit to another muni
tions for firearms without permit for the latter to carry the respective firearm.
(5) The penalty under para 1 shall also be imposed on a person who, without the respective permit, 
takes a found explosive, firearm chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, munitions for firearms or pyrotech
nic articles.
(6) (new – SG 47/16) Where the subject of the offence are cartridge munitions, anti-personnel mine
s or other articles within the meaning of the Act On Implementation Of The Convention On Cluster Mu
nitions And The Convention On Prohibition Of The Use, Stockpiling, Production And Transfer Of An
ti-Personnel Mines And On Their Destruction , the penalty shall be:
1. in cases referred to in par. 1 – imprisonment for a period from three to tem years;
2. in cases referred to in par. 2 – imprisonment for a period from five to twelve years;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.3. in cases referred to in par. 3, 4 and 5 – imprisonment for a period from three to ten years.
 
Art. 339a. (New, SG 62/97) (1) (amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever, without due permit required by a 
law, produces, uses, sells or keeps special technical devices for secret collection of information shall be puni
shed by imprisonment of one to six years.
(2) (prev. text of Para 03, amend. - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 26/10) If the act under Para 1 is commit
ted by an official in connection with his office, the penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years.
(3) (prev. text of Para 02 - SG 27/09) The special technical device shall be seized in favour of the st
ate.
 
Art. 339b. (new, SG 26/04; amend. - SG 38/07; amend. – SG 26/10) Whosoever produces, transpor
ts, keeps, acquires or passes on to another products or technologies with double use determined by a law or b
y an act of the Council of Ministers for the purpose of being used for carrying out transactions in violation o
f prohibitions, restrictions or sanctions imposed by the Security Council of the United Nations Organisation, 
by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe or by the European Union, or ensuing from an i
nternational agreement party to which is the Republic of Bulgaria, shall be punished by imprisonment of thr
ee to ten years and a fine of up to two hundred thousand levs.
 
Section II.  
Offences against the transport and communications  
Art. 340. (1) (Amend., SG 95/75) Whosoever damages a railway rolling stock or a railway, an aircr
aft, an automobile, an electric transport vehicle (trolley bus, tram and the like, designated for public transpor
tation) or installations or their appliances, a tunnel, a bridge or support wall along the roads, or damages or a
llows damaging, strand or sink a ship, thus creating danger for the life of another or for substantial damaging 
of another's property, shall be punished by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(2) (New, SG 95/75) Whosoever destroys an aircraft being in operation, or causes a damage renderi
ng it unfit for flying or it is of a nature endangering its flight safety shall be punished by imprisonment of fiv
e to twenty years.
(3) (New – SG, 101/17) The punishment under Para. 2 shall also punish those, who destroys a ship, 
or causes a damage to the ship or of its goods, which is of a nature to threaten safety of the ship during sailin
g, or destroys a fixed platform, including where it is located on a continental shelf, or causes it damage, whic
h is of a nature to threaten its safety.
(4) (New – SG, 101/17) With the punishment under Para. 2 shall also punish those, who by using a 
device, substance or weapon destroys or causes substantial property damages of the devices of an airport, or 
of an aircraft, located on its territory, which is not in exploitation or terminates the activity of the airport serv
ices, which threatens, or is of a nature to threaten the airport safety.
(5) Prev. para 2 - amend., SG 95/75, former Para. 3 – SG, 101/17) If in the cases under the precedin
g paras follows:
1. average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons the penalty shall be imprisonment of eight 
to fifteen years;
2. (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) death of one or more persons, regardless of whether the c
onsequences under letter "a" have occurred, the penalty shall be imprisonment of ten to twenty years, life im
prisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 341. (Amend., SG 95/75, amend. – SG, 101/17) If the act under art. 340, para 1 - 4  has been c
ommitted by negligence and it has caused:
a) substantial property damages;
b) average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons, regardless of whether consequences unde
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.r the preceding letter have occurred;
c) death of one or more persons regardless of whether consequences under letter "a" and "b" have o
ccurred,
the penalty shall be: under letter "a" - imprisonment of up to three years; under letter "b" - imprison
ment of up to six years; under letter "c" - imprisonment of one to ten years.
 
Art. 341a. (New, SG 95/75) (1) Whosoever places in an aircraft a device or a substance which can d
estroy it or cause it a damage rendering it unfit for flying or creating danger for its flight safety, unless subje
ct to a more severe penalty, shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten years.
(2) Whosoever endangers the safety of an aircraft in flight by:
a) destroying or damaging an installation or a facility for air traffic control;
b) announcing information or giving a signal being aware that they are false, placing a false sign or 
removes or moves a sign designated for providing the traffic safety,
shall be punished by imprisonment of three to fifteen years.
(3) Whosoever commits violence regarding a person on board of an aircraft in flight, if the act has a 
nature of endangering the safety of this aircraft and does not constitute a more serious crime, shall be punish
ed by imprisonment of five to ten years.
(4) (New – SG, 101/17) With the punishment under Para. 3 shall also be punished those, who throu
gh using a device, substance or weapon commits violation against a person, on the territory of an airport, if t
he act is of a nature to threaten the health or life of the people around him, and is not a more severe crime.
(5) (Former Para. 4, amend. – SG, 101/17) If, in the cases under the preceding paras, average or sev
ere bodily injury or death of one or more persons has followed the penalties stipulated by art. 340, para 5  s
hall apply respectively.
(6) (Former Para. 5, – SG, 101/17) If the act under para 1 has been committed by negligence and co
nsequences have occurred according to art. 341, the penalties stipulated by this Art. shall apply respectively.
 
Art. 341b. (New, SG 95/75) (1) (Amend. and suppl. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever adversely occupies a
n aircraft on the ground or during flight, or a ship, located in the sea area, or in the internal water ways of the 
Republic of Bulgaria, or in an open sea, or on a fixed platform, located on the continental shelf, establishes c
ontrol over such means shall be punished by imprisonment of up to ten years.
(2) If the act under the preceding para has been committed by force or threat, the penalty shall be i
mprisonment of three to twelve years.
(3) If the act under the preceding paras has incurred:
a) (suppl. – SG, 101/17) considerable damage to the aircraft, of a ship or of the platform;
b) average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons, regardless of whether the consequences u
nder the preceding letter have occurred;
c) (amend., SG 153/98; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) death of one or more person
s, regardless of whether the consequences under letter "a" and "b" have occurred,
the penalty shall be: under letter "a" and "b" - imprisonment of five to fifteen years, and under letter 
"c" - imprisonment of ten to twenty years or life imprisonment without parole, whereas the court can also rul
e revoking of rights under art. 37, para 1, items 6 - 10 .
 
Art. 341c. (New, SG 95/75; revoked, SG 41/85, new – SG, 101/17, new – SG, 101/17) (1) Anyone, 
who places on a ship at an exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Bulgaria, or in open sea a device or s
ubstance, which may destroy, or damage it, or destroy the load on the ship, if the act is of a nature to threate
n the safe sailing of the sip, shall be punished by imprisonment from 3 to 12 years.
(2) With the punishment under Para. 1 shall be punished, that one, who places on a fixed platform, 
placed on the continental shelf, a device or substance, which may destroy it or is of a nature to threaten its sa
fety.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) Anyone, who threatens the safe sailing of a ship, by:
1. destroying, damaging or violating the work of sea, or river navigation equipment;
2. announces information or gives a signal, about which it is known that are lying, places a lying si
gn or takes away or moves a sign, intended for guaranteeing the safety of movement,
shall be punished by imprisonment from 3 to 15 years.
(4) Anyone, who commits violence to a person on the ship, if the acts of a nature to threaten the saf
e sailing of the ship and is not a more severe crime, shall be punished by imprisonment from 5 to 10 years.
(5) With the punishment under Apra. 4 shall be punished that one, who commits violence to a perso
n on the board of a fixed platform, placed on the continental shelf, if the act is of a nature to threaten the safe
ty of the platform and is not a more severe crime.
(6) If the cases under Para. 1 – 5 have caused:
1. a average or severe bodily injury of one or more persons, the punishment shall be imprisonment f
rom 8 to 15 years;
2. death of one or more persons, the punishment shall be imprisonment from 10 to 20 years, life im
prisonment or life imprisonment without replacement.
(7) Where the act under Para. 1 has been committed because of negligence and have occurred:
1. substantial property damages;
2. average or severe bodily injury of one or more persons, notwithstanding of the fact, whether have 
occurred consequences under p. 1;
3/ death or one or more persons, notwithstanding of the fact, whether have occurred consequences u
nder p. 1 and 2;
The punishment shall be:
Under p. 1 – imprisonment from 5 to 10 years;
Under p. 2 – imprisonment from 8 to 15 years;
p. 3 – imprisonment from 10 to 20 years, life imprisonment or life imprisonment without replaceme
nt.
 
Art. 342. (1) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 28/82) Whosoever, in driving a railway rolling stock, an aircr
aft, a motor vehicle, a vessel, combat or special vehicle, violates the traffic rules by admitting the causing of 
bodily injury or death to another shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by probation.
(2) (New, SG 28/82) The same penalty shall be imposed on a worker or employee of the transport 
who violates the rules for operation or the requirements for good quality of the repair of the rolling stock, of 
the roads or of the installations, admitting the causing of average bodily injury or death to another.
(3) (Prev. para 2 - SG 28/82) If acts under the preceding paras deliberately cause death, bodily injur
y or substantial property damage to another the penalty shall be:
a) for causing substantial property damages - imprisonment of one to ten years;
b) for causing average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons, with or without property dam
ages - by three to twelve years;
c) (amend., SG 85/98) for causing death to one or more persons, with or without consequences und
er letter "a" and "b" - imprisonment of ten to twenty years, and in particularly severe cases - from fifteen to t
wenty years or life imprisonment.
(4) (Prev. para 3; amend., SG 28/82; SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In th
e cases under para 3, letter "a" and "b" the court shall deprive the culprit of the rights according to art. 37, p
ara 1, item 6 and 7 . In the cases under letter "c" the revoking of these rights shall be for good and all.
 
Art. 343. (Corr., SG 29/68; amend., SG 95/75; SG 54/78; SG 28/82) (1) When acts under the prece
ding Art. have caused by negligence:
a) substantial property damages, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one year or probation;
b) severe or average bodily injury, regardless of whether the circumstances under letter "a" have oc
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.curred, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to four years for a severe bodily injury and up to three years 
or probation for an average bodily injury;
c) (amend. – SG 60/12, in force from 09.09.2012) death, regardless of whether the circumstances u
nder letter "a" have occurred, the penalty shall be imprisonment from two to six years, while in particularly s
erious cases – imprisonment from three to ten years.
(2) (New, SG 92/02, amend., SG 86/05 – in force from 29.04.06; amend. - SG 95/16) The penal pro
cedure shall be terminated should the aggrieved so wish:
1. with respect to crimes under Para 1, Letter “a”;
2. with respect to crimes under Para 1, Letter “b”, where no penal proceedings have been terminate
d with respect to the perpetrator during the latest five years.
(3) (Suppl., SG 21/00; Prev. para 2 - SG 92/02; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006 suppl
. – SG 60/12, in force from 09.09.2012) If the act is committed in a state of intoxication or after using narcot
ic substances or their analogues or it has caused a bodily injury or death to more than one person, or the perp
etrator has escaped from the scene of the accident or has been driving without holding the required license o
r the act has been committed on a walkway, the penalty shall be:
a) (amend. – SG 60/12, in force from 09.09.2012; amend. - SG 74/15) for severe or average bodily i
njury - imprisonment of up to six years, and in particularly severe cases – imprisonment from two to ten yea
rs;
b) (amend. - SG 74/15) for death - imprisonment of three to fifteen years, and in particularly severe 
cases - imprisonment of five to twenty years.
(4) (Prev. para 3 - SG 92/02) The penalty under letter "b" of the preceding para shall also be impose
d when death has been caused to one or more persons and bodily injury to one or more persons.
 
Art. 343a. (New, SG 28/82) (1) (Prev. text of art. 343a - SG 92/02) If the perpetrator, after the act u
nder the preceding Art., has done everything in his power to render assistance to the injured, the penalty shal
l be:
a) under para 1, letter "b" - imprisonment of up to three years for severe bodily injury and imprison
ment of up to two years or probation for average bodily injury;
b) under para 1, letter "c" - imprisonment of up to four years;
c) under para 2, letter "a", when an average or a severe bodily injury has been caused to more than 
one person - imprisonment of up to four years, and in particularly severe cases - up to six years;
d) under para 2, letter "b", for the death of more than one person - imprisonment of two to ten years
, and in particularly severe cases - from three to twelve years.
(2) (New, SG 92/02, amend., SG 86/05 – in force from 29.04.06) For a crime under para 1, letter "a
" the penal procedure shall be terminated should the aggrieved so wish.
 
Art. 343b. (New, SG 28/82; amend., SG 50/95) (1) (amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever drives a motor 
vehicle with alcohol concentration in his blood of over 1.2 per mil, established by the respective order, shall 
be punished by imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of two hundred to one thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever drives a motor vehicle with an alcohol con
centration in his blood of over 0.5 per mil, established by the respective order, after having been convicted b
y an enacted sentence for the act under para 1, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to five years and b
y a fine of five hundred to one thousand and five hundred levs.
(3) (New, SG 21/00; amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever drives a motor vehicle after using narcotic sub
stances or their analogues shall be punished by imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of five hundred 
to one thousand and five hundred levs.
 
Art. 343c. (New, SG 50/95) (1) (amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever drives a motor vehicle during the t
erm of incurring the penalty deprivation of the right to drive a motor vehicle, after being punished for the sa
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.me offense by administrative order, shall be punished with imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of t
wo hundred to one thousand BGN.
(2) (amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever, within a year of his being punished by administrative order for 
driving a motor vehicle without the respective driving license commits such an act shall be punished with im
prisonment of one to three years and a fine of five hundred to one thousand and two hundred BGN.
(3) (new - SG 95/16) The penalty under Para 1 shall be imposed also to any person operating a mot
or vehicle during the service of a compulsory administrative measure of temporary deprivation of a driving l
icense for a motor vehicle.
 
Art. 343d. (New, SG 50/95; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In all cases of art. 343, 
343a, 343b and art. 343c, para 1  the court shall also rule revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, ite
m 7, as well as according to item 6.
 
Art. 344. (Amend., SG 95/75) (1) (amend. - SG 74/15) Whosoever removes or moves a sign or a si
gnal used for providing the traffic safety of the railway and water transport, as well as of the electric transpo
rt, places such a false sign or gives a false signal, thus exposing to danger the life or the property of somebod
y, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to seven years.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 74/15) The penalty for the act u
nder para 1 regarding signs of the automobile transport shall be imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of 
one thousand to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 345. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 95/16) (1) Whosoever use
s a registration plate issued for another motor vehicle or a plate not issued by the respective bodies shall be p
unished by imprisonment of up to one year or by a fine of five hundred to one thousand levs.
(2) The penalty under Para 1 shall be imposed also to anyone operating a motor vehicle, which is n
ot duly registered.
 
Art. 345a. (New, SG 21/00) (1) Whosoever, in violation of the established order deletes or counterf
eits an identification number of a motor vehicle shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten years and 
by a fine of five thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) If the act under the preceding para is repeated, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to twe
lve years and a fine of five thousand to fifteen thousand levs.
(3) The penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to three thousand levs if n
umbers of parts of a motor vehicle have been counterfeited.
 
Art. 346. (1) (Amend., SG 107/96; SG 62/97) Whosoever takes another's vehicle illegally, possesse
d by another without his consent, with an intention of using it, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to 
eight years.
(2) (Amend., SG 89/86; corr., SG 90/86; amend., SG 107/96; SG 62/97) The penalty shall be impris
onment of one to ten years if:
1. damage of the vehicle has followed or it has been abandoned without supervision, or
2. the act has been committed in a state of intoxication or more than twice, or
3. the misappropriation has been committed under the conditions of art. 195, para 1, item 1 - 6 .
4. (new, SG 26/04) the misappropriation has been committed for the purpose of a material benefit fr
om the return of the motor vehicle.
(3) (new, SG 26/04) The penalty under para 2 shall also be imposed on a person offering assistance 
for returning the misappropriated vehicle against a material benefit.
(4) (New, SG 28/82; amend., SG 62/97; prev. para 3 – SG 26/04) In the cases of the preceding para
s the court shall rule revoking of a right to drive motor vehicle.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(5) (Prev., para 3 - SG 28/82; amend., SG 62/97; prev. para 4 – SG 26/04) If, for the purpose of mis
appropriation of the vehicle or for preservation of its ownership force or threat have been used, the penalty s
hall be imprisonment of three to twelve years and revoking of right to drive a motor vehicle, whereas the co
urt shall also rule confiscation of no less than 1/2 of the property of the perpetrator.
(6) (New, SG 62/97; prev. para 5 – SG 26/04) The penalty under the preceding para shall also be im
posed when the act has been committed by a person under art. 142, para 2 , item 6 and 8, or by assignment 
of an organisation or a group, or when an attempt has been made to export the motor vehicle through the bor
der of the country or when its serial and registration numbers have been changed.
 
Art. 346a. (new, SG 26/04) If, until the conclusion of the court investigation in the first-instance co
urt, the misappropriated motor vehicle is returned, the penalty shall be:
1. in the cases under art. 346, para 1  – imprisonment of up to five years;
2. in the cases under art. 346, para 2, item 4 , if the returning took place before obtaining the mater
ial benefit – imprisonment of up to eight years.
 
Art. 346b. (New, SG 21/00; prev. art. 346a – SG 26/04, amend. – SG 7/19) Whosoever illegally ent
ers another's motor vehicle without the consent of the owner shall be punished by imprisonment of up to thre
e years.
 
Art. 347. (1) Whosoever damages a telegraph, telephone or teletype installation or line, television o
r radio installation or electrification installation, thus disconnecting or frustrating the communications, shall 
be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If the act has been committed by negligence, 
the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation, or a fine of one hundred to three hundred l
evs.
 
Art. 348. (Amend., SG 10/93) Whosoever:
a) builds, keeps or uses a radio device which broadcasts in the ether without a written permit;
b) uses a radio device which broadcasts in the ether without prior registration with full positioning 
data or uses it for purposes not allowed by the permit;
c) without prior written permit changes without authorisation the registered data of the radio device 
which broadcasts in the ether;
d) (Amend., SG 92/02) obstructs or interferes the activity of a radio communication, radio broadcas
ting, television or radio repeater station or radio relaying centre, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 
five years and a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, whereas the radio device shall be seized in favour 
of the state.
 
Art. 348a. (new, SG 26/04) (1) Whosoever, through a fraud or in another illegal way, uses a teleco
mmunication network, facility or service in order to generate or divert, in his or another’s interest, a directed 
transfer of signals, written text, images, sound, data or communications of any kind, through a conductor, ra
dio waves, optic or other transfer medium, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to six years and a fine o
f up to ten thousand levs.
(2) Where the act under para 1 is committed:
1. by two or more persons, having conspired in advance for its fulfillment, where it is no minor cas
e;
2. by using unregistered telecommunication device;
3. repeatedly,
the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to eight years and a fine of one thousand to five thousand l
evs.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) In minor cases under para 1 the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
 
Art. 348b. (New, SG 28/82; prev. art. 348a – SG 26/04) If the property damages and the bodily inju
ry under art. 343 have been cause by a spouse, ascendant, descendant, brother or sister the criminal proceedi
ngs shall be instituted against a complaint of the aggrieved. In these cases the perpetrator can be deprived thr
ough administrative channels of a right to drive a motor vehicle even if a complaint has not been filed or the 
filed complaints has been withdrawn.
 
Section III.  
Offences against the national health and the environment (title suppl., SG 26/04)  
Art. 349. (1) Whosoever deliberately places or admits an object dangerous for the life or the health i
n a well, spring, water pipe or in other appliance designated for general use, where or by which drinking wat
er is drawn shall be punished by imprisonment of two to eight years.
(2) (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) If the act has caused a severe bodily injury, the penalty 
shall be imprisonment of three to ten years, and if death has followed, the penalty shall be imprisonment of t
en to twenty years, life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
(3) (Amend., SG 41/85) In compliance with the differences under the preceding paras shall also be 
punished those who, with the purpose of contaminating people spreads agents of an epidemic disease.
 
Art. 349a. (New, SG 62/97) (1) Whosoever violates rules established for taking and submitting hu
man organs or tissues for transplantation shall be punished by imprisonment of one to three years.
(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment of three to five years if the act has been committed from mer
cenary motives.
 
Art. 350. (amend., SG 26/04) (1) Whosoever prepares foodstuff or beverages for general use in suc
h a way that they create or contain substances dangerous for the health, as well as those who sell, offer for sa
le or in any other way circulates such foodstuff or beverages shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five 
years.
(2) Whosoever violates rules regulating the obtaining, production, processing, storing or trade with 
animals, raw materials, foodstuffs or beverages for general use, thus exposing to danger the health or the life 
of another, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(3) If the act under para 1 and 2 has caused an average bodily injury to another, the penalty shall be 
imprisonment of up to six years, and if a severe bodily injury has been caused to another - imprisonment of 
one to eight years, and if death has followed - imprisonment of three to fifteen years.
 
Art. 350a. (new, SG 26/04) Whosoever, in violation of a law, produces or offers on the market food
stuffs, animal food or veterinary products, or beverages, thus exposing to danger the life or the health of anot
her, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 351. (1) The penalty for acts under art. 349 and 350, committed by negligence, shall be impris
onment of up to two years or probation.
(2) If in this case the death of somebody has followed, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to fi
ve years.
 
Art. 352. (1) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 86/91; SG 85/97; amend., SG 26/04; amend. – SG 33/11, in f
orce from 27.05.2011) Whosoever pollutes or admits pollution of the soil, the air, water streams, basins, und
erground waters, the territorial or internal sea waters or sea waters in areas specified by an international agre
ement, to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party, thus rendering them dangerous to people or animals and 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.plants or unfit for using for cultural and household, health, agricultural and other economic needs shall be pu
nished by imprisonment from one to five years and by a fine from five thousand levs to thirty thousand levs.
(2) (amend., SG 26/04) The same penalty shall be imposed to an official who has admitted in desig
ning, construction or operation of draining or irrigation systems not to take the necessary precautions for pre
venting dangerous pollution of the water supply zones for drinking water supply or the raising of the level of 
the underground waters in the populated and resort areas.
(3) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) If as a re
sult of the acts under paras 1 or 2 have been caused:
1. death or serious bodily harm to one or more persons, the penalty shall be imprisonment from five 
to twenty years and a fine from ten thousand to fifty thousand levs
2. considerable damages to the environment, the penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight y
ears and a fine from ten thousand to fifty thousand levs.
(4) (New, SG 95/75; amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 33/11, in force 
from 27.05.2011) If the act under paras 1 or 2 has been committed by negligence the penalty shall be impris
onment of up to three years and a fine from two thousand to twenty thousand levs.
 
Art. 352a. (New, SG 95/75) (1) (Amend., SG 86/91; SG 85/97; amend. and suppl. – SG 33/11, in fo
rce from 27.05.2011) Whosoever pollutes or admits the pollution by petrol products or derivatives territorial 
or internal sea waters or sea waters in zones determined by an international agreement party to which is the 
Republic of Bulgaria, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years and by a fine from ten thousand 
to fifty thousand levs. If the act has been committed by a sea captain, the court shall also rule deprivation of 
rights as per Art. 37, para 1, item 7 .
(2) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) The penalty under para 1 sh
all also be imposed on a person who contaminates or allows contamination of the waters under para 1 with n
oxious liquid substances in bulk, specified by an international agreement, to which the Republic of Bulgaria 
is a party.
(3) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.
05.2011; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) If the act under para 1 or para 2 has been committed 
by negligence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to fifteen thousand lev
s.
(4) (Amend., SG 10/93) A captain of a ship or of another vessel who does not announce immediatel
y, at the closest port, about throwing out in waters, according to para 1, of petrol products or derivatives, or 
of other substances dangerous for the people, the animals or the plants, shall be punished by a fine of up to fi
ve hundred levs.
(5) (Suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) A captain or another person from the 
commandment of a ship, who does not fulfil an obligation for entry in the ship documents of an operation wi
th substances dangerous for the people, animals or plants, or enters in them false information for such operat
ions, or refuses to present these documents to the respective officials, shall be punished by a fine of one hun
dred to three hundred imposed through administrative channels.
 
Art. 353. (1) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 86/91; amend., SG 92/02) An official who commissions or or
ders the commissioning of an enterprise or a heath power station before fitting and activating the necessary p
urification installations shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and by a fine of one hundred 
to three hundred levs.
(2) The same penalty shall also be imposed to an official who does not fulfil his obligations for buil
ding purification installations, as well as for providing the fitness and the continuous correct operation of suc
h installations, for which reason they were unable to operate in full or partially or have discontinued the oper
ation.
(3) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If the act under the preceding paras has been committed 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.by negligence, the penalty shall be probation or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(4) (New, SG 95/75; amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) In minor 
cases the penalty shall be: under para 1 and 2 - a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs, and under para 3 
- a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs imposed through administrative channels.
 
Art. 353a. (New, SG 86/91; amend., SG 85/97) An official who, within the scope of his official duti
es, conceals or announces untrue information about the condition of the environment and its components - ai
r, water, soil, sea areas, thus causing significant damages to the environment, the life and the human health s
hall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of one hundred to one thousand levs.
 
Art. 353b. (New, SG 62/97; Suppl., SG 92/02; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Who
ever, by managing waste not according to the established procedure, creates a risk to the life or health of am
other person or a risk of causing considerable damages to the environment, shall be punishable by imprison
ment from one to five years and a fine amounting from five thousand to thirty thousand levs.
(2) In those cases where the act under para 1 results in:
1. death or serious bodily harm to one or more persons, the penalty shall be imprisonment from five 
to twenty years and a fine amounting from ten thousand to fifty thousand levs;
2. considerable damage to the environment, the penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight ye
ars and a fine amounting from ten thousand to fifty thousand levs.
(3) Whoever violates or does not fulfil their obligations related to ensuring the good working order 
and the proper functioning of a waste disposal or utilization installation or facility and as a result of this deat
h or serious bodily harm is caused to one or more persons, shall be punishable by imprisonment from five to 
twenty years and a fine amounting from ten thousand to fifty thousand levs, and in those cases where serious 
damage has been caused to the environment, the penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years and 
a fine amounting from ten thousand to fifty thousand levs.
(4) In those cases where the deed under para 1 or para 2 has been committed by negligence, the pen
alty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine amounting from two thousand to fifteen thousand l
evs.
 
Art. 353c. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever manages dangerous waste not 
according to the established procedure shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine fro
m two thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(2) In those cases where the act under para 1 poses danger to the life or health of another person or 
causes considerable damage to the environment, the penalty shall be imprisonment deom one to six years an
d a fine amounting from ten thousand to thirty thousand levs.
(3) Where the act under para 1 resulted in death or serious bodily harm of one or more persons, the 
penalty shall be imprisonment from ten to twenty years and a fine amounting from fifteen to fifty thousand l
evs, and if the act causes serious damage to the environment, the penalty shall be imprisonment from three t
o ten years and a fine amounting from twenty thousand to fifty thousand levs.
(4) An official who violates or does not fulfil their obligations related to management of dangerous 
waste shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to three years.
(5) In those cases where the acts under paras 1 through 3 have been committed by negligence, the p
enalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine amounting from three thousand to twenty thousa
nd levs.
 
Art. 353d. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever, in violation of the established 
procedure transfers waste through the state borders, provided that this is not a minor case, shall be punishabl
e by imprisonment of up to four years and a fine amounting from two thousand to five thousand levs.
(2) Whoever, in violation of international agreements, to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party, 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.transfers through the state borders dangerous waste, toxic chemical substances, biological agents, toxins and 
radioactive substances, shall be punishable by imprisonment of from one to five years and a fine amounting 
from five thousand to five thousand levs.
(3) In those cases where the acts under para 1 and para have been committed by negligence, the pen
alty shall be imprisonment of up to two years or probation.
 
Art. 353e. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever keeps, in violation of the estab
lished procedure, dangerous substances or mixtures and in doing so poses danger to the life or health of anot
her person or a risk of causing considerable harm to the environment, shall be punishable with imprisonment 
of up to four years and a fine from two thousand to five thousand levs.
(2) Whoever, in violation of the established procedure, puts into operation or orders putting into op
eration of an undertaking or facility in the functioning of which are used dangerous substances and in doing 
so poses danger to the life or health of another person or a risk of causing considerable harm to the environm
ent, shall be punishable with imprisonment from one to five years and a fine from five thousand to twenty th
ousand levs.
(3) The penalty set out in para 2 shall also be imposed on a person who puts into operation or order
s putting into operation of an undertaking or facility not according to the established procedure and the funct
ioning of the said undertaking or facility may pose a danger to the life or health of another person or may ca
use considerable harm to the environment.
(4) If in the cases under para 3 and 4 has been caused death or serious bodily harm to one or more p
ersons, the penalty shall be with imprisonment from eight to fifteen years and a fine from ten thousand to thi
rty thousand levs, and in those cases where considerable damage has been caused to the environment, the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years and a fine from fifteen thousand to thirty thousand levs.
(5) In those cases where the acts under paras 1 through 4 have been committed by negligence, the p
enalty shall be imprisonment of up to two years or probation.
 
Art. 353f. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever, in violation of the established 
procedure, produces, uses disseminates, imports or exports through the state border ozone-destroying chemi
cals, shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to four years and a fine from one thousand to five thousand l
evs.
(2) In those cases where the acts under para have been committed by negligence, the penalty shall b
e imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
 
Art. 353g. (new, SG 26/04; prev. text of Art. 353d – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whosoev
er, in violation of a law, constructs a water intake facility or a facility for using surface or underground water
s, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of five thousand to fifteen thousand levs.
 
Art. 353h. (new, SG 26/04; prev. text of Art. 353e – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Whosoev
er, in violation of a law, uses mineral water for economic activity, shall be punished by imprisonment of up t
o one year and a fine of up to five thousand levs.
 
Art. 354. (Amend., SG 92/02) (1) (Amend., SG 95/75; SG 28/82; SG 10/93; suppl. – SG 75/06, in f
orce from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, without due permit produces, acquires, keeps, alienates or submits to ano
ther strongly active or poisonous substance, not being a narcotic substance, placed under a permit regime, sh
all be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the offence under para 1 i
s committed systematically the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of one hundred 
to three hundred levs.
(3) The subject of the crime shall be seized in favour of the state.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(4) (New, SG 95/75; amend., SG 10/93) Whosoever violates rules established for production, acqui
ring, keeping, accounting, dispensing, transporting or carrying substances under para 1 shall be punished by 
imprisonment of up to two years or by probation or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 354a. (New, SG 95/75; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; 
SG 62/97; SG 21/00) Whosoever, without a due permit produces, processes, acquires, or keeps narcotic subs
tances or their analogues with the purpose of distribution, or distributes narcotic substances or their analogue
s shall be punished for high-risk narcotic substances or their analogues - by imprisonment of two to eight ye
ars and by a fine of five thousand to twenty thousand levs, and for risky narcotic substances or their analogu
es - by imprisonment of one to six years and by a fine of two thousand to ten thousand levs. If the subject of 
the crime are precursors or installations or materials for production of narcotic substances or their analogues, 
the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to twelve years and a fine of twenty thousand to one hundred thou
sand levs.
(2) (amend. – SG 26/10) In case the narcotic substances or their analogues are in large amount, the 
penalty shall be imprisonment of three to twelve years and a fine of ten thousand to fifty thousand levs. Who
soever, without a due permit at a public place, acquires or keeps with the purpose of distribution or distribut
es narcotic substances or their analogues, as well as in case the narcotic substances or their analogues are in 
particularly great amount or the act is committed:
1. by a person, who acts by an order or in fulfilment of a decision of organised criminal group;
2. by a physician or a pharmacist;
3. by a tutor, teacher, head of educational establishment or an official during or on occasion of fulfil
ment of his/her duty;
4. under the conditions of dangerous recidivism,
the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to fifteen years and a fine of twenty thousand to one hund
red thousand levs.
(3) Whosoever, without a due permit, acquires or keeps narcotic substances or their analogues, shall 
be punished:
1. for high-risk narcotic substances or their analogues - by imprisonment of one to six years and by 
a fine of two thousand to ten thousand levs;
2. for risky narcotic substances or their analogues - by imprisonment of up to five years and by a fin
e of one thousand to five thousand levs.
(4) Whosoever violates rules established for the production, acquisition, keeping, accounting, dispe
nsing, transportation or carrying narcotic substances shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years a
nd by a fine of up to five thousand levs, whereas the court can also rule revoking of the rights according to a
rt. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(5) In minor cases under para 3 and 4 the penalty shall be a fine of up to one thousand levs.
(6) In the cases under para 1 – 5 the subject and the resources of the crime shall be seized in favour 
of the state.
 
Art. 354b. (New, SG 95/75) (1) (Amend., SG 62/97; SG 21/00; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 1
3.10.2006) Whosoever persuades or assists another to using narcotic substances or their analogues shall be p
unished by imprisonment of one to eight years and a fine of five thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) (Amend., SG 62/97; SG 21/00) If the act under para 1 has been committed:
1. regarding an underage, minor or insane person;
2. regarding two or more persons;
3. (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) by a physician, pharmacist, tutor, head of an educa
tional establishment or official in the places of imprisonment during or on occasion of fulfilment of his/her d
uty;
4. (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) at a public place;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.5. (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) through the mass media;
6. (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) under the conditions of dangerous recidivism,
the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to ten years and a fine of twenty thousand to fifty thousa
nd levs, whereas the court, in the cases under item 3 and 4, shall also rule revoking of right according to art. 
37, para 1, item 6 and 7.
(3) (New, SG 21/00; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever gives another a nar
cotic substance or its analogue in quantities which can cause death or such follows shall be punished by imp
risonment of fifteen to twenty years and a fine of one hundred thousand to three hundred thousand levs.
(4) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97; prev. para 3 - SG 21/00; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.1
0.2006) Whosoever systematically submits premises to various persons for the purpose of using narcotic sub
stances or organises the using of such substances shall be punished by imprisonment of one to ten years and 
a fine of five thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(5) (Amend., SG 10/93; SG 62/97; prev. para 4 - SG 21/00; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.1
0.2006) A physician who in violation of the established order deliberately prescribes to another narcotic sub
stances, their analogues or medicines containing such substances, shall be punished by imprisonment of up t
o five years and by a fine of up to three thousand levs, whereas the court can also rule revoking of rights acc
ording to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
(6) (Prev. para 5 - SG 21/00; amend., SG 26/04) If the act under the preceding para has been repeat
ed, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to six years and revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, 
item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 354c. (New, SG 95/75; amend., SG 62/97; SG 21/00) (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13
.10.2006) Whosoever plants or grows plants of opium poppy, cocaine bush or plants of the kind of cannabis 
in violation of the rules established by the Control over narcotic substances and precursors Act , shall be 
punished by imprisonment of two to five years and by a fine of five thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever organises, leads or finances an orga
nised criminal group growing plants according to para 1, or obtaining, producing or processing narcotic subs
tances shall be punished by imprisonment of ten to twenty years and by a fine of fifty thousand to two hundr
ed thousand levs.
(3) (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever participates in an organised criminal 
group according to the preceding para shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten years and a fine of f
ive thousand to ten thousand levs.
(4) (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Not punished shall be a participant in an organise
d criminal group who voluntarily has announced to the authorities all known to him facts and circumstances 
regarding the activity of the criminal group.
(5) In minor cases under para 1 the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up 
to one thousand levs.
 
Art. 355. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93) (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02, amend. and su
ppl. SG 23/20, amend. - SG 28/20, in force from 24.03.2020) Whosoever violates an ordinance, rules or mea
sures issued against the spreading or occurrence of infection disease among the people shall be punished wit
h imprisonment of up to three years or by a fine of one thousand to ten thousand levs.
(2) (amend. SG 23/20) If the act is committed at a time of epidemic, pandemic or state of emergenc
y related to death cases, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of ten to fifty thousa
nd levs.
(3) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) Whosoever violates an ordinance issued for 
prevention of food poisoning shall be punished by probation or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred lev
s.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 356. (1) Whosoever violates the established construction, sanitary or fire safety rules in designi
ng, managing or fulfilment of construction, thus exposing to danger the life of another, shall be punished by 
imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) If the violation of the rules under the preceding para has been committed by negligence the pena
lty shall be imprisonment of up to one year or probation.
 
Section IV.  
Other generally dangerous offences (New, SG 41/85)  
Art. 356a. (Amend., SG 21/00; suppl., SG 26/04; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Fo
r preparation of a crime according to art. 330, 333, 334, 340, 341a, 341b, art. 342, para 3 , art. 344, 349, 35
0, art. 352, para 1 , art. 353g , art. 354, 354a and 354c, unless the act represents a more severe crime, the pe
nalty shall be imprisonment of three to eight years, but no more than the penalty stipulated for the respective 
crime.
 
Art. 356b. (1) A foreign citizen who. on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria prepares an act to 
be committed abroad according to art. 242, para 2 and 3  or some of the acts under art. 356a  shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of up to five years, but no longer than the penalty stipulated for the respective crime.
(2) If an organisation or a group is founded for the same purpose, the penalty shall be imprisonment 
of one to six years, and for the organisers and leaders - imprisonment of three to eight years, but no longer th
an the penalty stipulated for the respective crime.
 
Art. 356c. (Revoked, SG 21/00)
 
Section V.  
Offences against the using of nuclear power for peaceful purposes (New, SG 79/85; corr., SG 80/95)  
Art. 356d. (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) An official who orders or admits the comme
ncement or fulfilment of activity, without an issued or before the issuance of permit stipulated by the Law fo
r using the nuclear power for peaceful purposes, or in violation of the permit, shall be punished by imprison
ment of up to two years or by probation, or by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
(2) If the act under the preceding para is repeated or immediate danger has been created for the life 
or the health of another, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 356e. (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) An official who assigns or admits to operations 
with nuclear materials, nuclear installations or other sources of ionising radiation a person without the neces
sary qualification shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation, or by a fine of one h
undred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 356f. (1) (Amend. – SG, 101/17) Whosoever destroys, or damages a nuclear equipment, a nucl
ear material, or a source of ionizing radiation, thus creates a danger for the life and the health of another pers
on, for damage of environment or occurring substantial property damages, shall be punished by imprisonme
nt of five to fifteen years.
(2) If as a result of the cases under the preceding para has followed:
a) (new – SG, 101/17) damage for the environment or substantial property damage, the punishment 
shall be imprisonment from 5 to 10 years;
a) (former l. “a” – SG, 101/17) an average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons the penalt
y shall be imprisonment of eight to fifteen years;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.b) (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98, former l. “b” – SG, 101/17) death of one or more persons
, with or without the consequences under letter "a" the penalty shall be imprisonment of ten to twenty years, 
life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 356g. If the act under the preceding para has caused by negligence:
a) substantial property damages;
b) an average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons, with or without the consequences und
er letter "a";
c) death of one or more persons, with or without the consequences under letter 'a" and "b",
the penalty shall be: under letter "a" - imprisonment of up to five years; under letter "b" - imprison
ment of up to eight years; under letter "c" - imprisonment of three to fifteen years.
 
Art. 356h. (1) Whosoever violates the rules for the nuclear or radiation safety knowing that a bodily 
injury or death can occur for another shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(2) Whosoever violates the rules for the nuclear or radiation safety and deliberately causes substanti
al property damages, bodily injuries or death to another shall be punished:
a) for causing substantial property damages - by imprisonment of five to fifteen years;
b) for causing average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons, with or without the conseque
nces under letter "a" - by imprisonment of five to twenty years;
c) (Suppl., SG 50/95; amend., SG 153/98) for causing death to one or more persons, with or withou
t the consequences under letter "a" and "b" - by imprisonment of ten to twenty years, life imprisonment or lif
e imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 356i. If an act under the preceding Art. has caused by negligence:
a) substantial property damages;
b) an average or severe bodily injury to one or more persons, with or without the consequences und
er letter "a";
c) death to one or more persons, with or without the consequences under letter "a" and "b",
the penalty shall be: under letter "a" - imprisonment of up to five years; under letter "b" - imprison
ment of up to eight years; under letter "c" - imprisonment of up to fifteen years.
 
Art. 356j. (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) In the cases under art. 356f, para 2 , art. 
356g, letter "b" and "c" , art. 356h, para 2  and art. 356i, letter "b" and "c"  the court shall deprive the c
ulprit of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 and 7 .
 
Art. 356k. (new, SG 26/04) (1) (suppl. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011, amend. – SG, 101/17
) Whosoever, without a due permit, produces, processes, changes, neutralizes, receives, acquires in any way, 
keeps, uses, disseminates, destroys, buries, transports, carries moves, sends, or gives to someone else nuclea
r material, or sources of ionizing radiation or components for them, shall be punished by imprisonment of on
e to six years.
(2) If, as a consequence, the cases of para 1 result in:
1. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011, suppl. – SG, 101/17) danger of causing damages to t
he environment, or substantial property damages, the penalty shall be imprisonment from two to eight years;
2. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011, suppl. – SG, 101/17) damages to the environment, o
r substantial property damages, the penalty shall be imprisonment from five to ten years;
3. (prev. text of item 1 – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) danger for the life or health of anothe
r the penalty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years;
4. (prev. text of item 2 – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) average or serious bodily injury to on
e or more persons, where the offender did not wish or admit that, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five t
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.o ten years;
5. (prev. text of item 3 – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) death of one or more persons, when t
he offender did not wish and admitted that, the penalty shall be imprisonment of eight to fifteen years and a f
ine of ten thousand to twenty thousand levs.
(3) (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Where the act under para 1 has been committed by 
negligence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 356l. (New – SG, 101/17) (1) Anyone, who illegally commits an action directed against a nucl
ear equipment, or representing interference in the activity of a nuclear equipment, aiming at, or admitting tha
t it may cause death, heavy or average bodily injury, substantial property damages, or damage to the environ
ment, by exposing radio-active radiation, or throwing out radioactive substances, shall be punished by impri
sonment up to 5 years.
(2) If the commitment under Para. 1 causes:
1. substantial property harm or damage of the environment, the punishment shall be imprisonment f
rom 5 to 15 years;
2. average or heavy bodily injury of one or more persons or without the consequences under p. 1, th
e punishment shall be imprisonment from 5 to 20 years;
3. death of one or more persons or without the consequences under p. 1, the punishment shall be im
prisonment from 10 to 20 years, life imprisonment or life imprisonment without exchange.
(3) Where by an act under Para. 2 because of negligence the following have been caused:
1. substantial property damages or damage of the environment;
2. average or heavy bodily injury of one or more persons with, or without the consequences under p
. 1;
3. death of one or more persons with or without the consequences under p. 1 and 2, the punishment 
shall be:
Under p. 1 – imprisonment up to 5 years;
Under p. 2 – imprisonment up to 8 years;
Under p. 3 – imprisonment from 3 to 15 years.
Art. 356m. (New – SG, 101/17) (1) Anyone, who by using force, or threatening requires to be given 
nuclear material or other source of ionizing radiation, if the committed is not a heavier crime, shall be punis
hed by imprisonment from 2 to 10 years and confiscation up to ½ of the property of the guilty person.
(2) If in the cases under Para. 1, the perpetrator threatens that:
1. will use nuclear or other source of ionizing radiation for:
a) causing death, heavy or average bodily injury;
b) causing substantial property damage or damage of the environment;
2. will take a nuclear material through a theft or seizure;
3. will commit a crime under Art. 356l, in order to indulge other person to commit, omit or suffer s
omething against his will,
The punishment shall be imprisonment from 3 to 12 year and confiscation up to ½ of the property o
f the guilty person.
Chapter twelve.  
OFFENCES AGAINST THE DEFENSIVE CAPACITY OF THE REPUBLIC, THE INFORMATIO
N REPRESENTING A STATE SECRET AND AGAINST THE FOREIGN CLASSIFIED INFORMA
TION (title suppl., SG 26/04)  
Section I.  
Offences against the information representing a state secret and against the foreign classified informat
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.ion (title, amend. SG 26/04)  
Art. 357. (1) (Revoked prev. para 2; amend. SG 95/75; amend., SG 26/04) Whosoever divulges inf
ormation representing a state secret, entrusted or having become known by office or job, as well as those wh
o divulges such information, being aware that this can ensue damages to the interest of the Republic of Bulg
aria, unless subject to a more severe penalty, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
(2) (Prev. para 3 - SG 95/75) If, as a result of the act, occurrence or possible occurrence of particula
rly severe consequences for the security of the state happens, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to te
n years.
(3) (new, SG 26/04) The penalty under para 1 and 2 shall also be imposed on those who divulge for
eign classified information obtained pursuant to an international agreement party to which is the Republic of 
Bulgaria.
 
Art. 357a. (New, SG 10/93; revoked, SG 26/04)
 
Art. 357b. (New, SG 41/01; revoked, SG 26/04)
 
Art. 358. (1) (amend., SG 26/04) Whosoever loses documents, publications or materials containing 
information representing a state secret or a foreign classified information obtained pursuant to an internation
al agreement party to which is the Republic of Bulgaria shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two year
s or by probation.
(2) If the act has caused or would have caused particularly severe consequences, the penalty shall b
e imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Art. 359. (1) (amend., SG 26/04) Whosoever gives occasion for disclosing information representing 
a state secret or a foreign classified information obtained pursuant to an international agreement party to whi
ch is the Republic of Bulgaria by negligence shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years or by pro
bation.
(2) (amend., SG 26/04) If this has happened due to non-observance of the normative requirements f
or protection of the classified information, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 360. Whosoever divulges information of military, economic or other nature, which are not stat
e secret, but whose divulging is prohibited by a law, order or other administrative regulation, shall be punish
ed by imprisonment of up to one year or by probation.
 
Section II.  
Offences against the military service  
Art. 361. (1) (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; revoked - SG 20/12, in force from 10.06.2012)
 
Art. 362. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 363. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 364. (1) Whosoever, at the time of mobilisation, evades military service shall be punished by i
mprisonment of one to five years.
(2) (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) (Amend., SG 153/98; amend. – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008) If the act under para 1 is c
ommitted in war-time, the penalty shall be imprisonment of five to twenty years or life imprisonment withou
t parole.
 
Art. 365. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 366. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02; amend. - SG 20/12, in force from 10.0
6.2012) Whosoever violates his obligations regarding the military account of Bulgarian nationals and machi
nery, other than the cases stipulates by the special laws for the military account, shall be punished by impris
onment of up to two years and by a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs unless the act represents a mor
e severe crime, and in war-time - by imprisonment of three to ten years and by a fine of one hundred to three 
hundred levs.
 
Art. 367. (1) Whosoever does not fulfil the orders related to the preparation and carrying out of mo
bilisation, or obstructs its normal fulfilment, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to eight years, and in 
particularly severe cases - by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) If the act under the preceding para is commit
ted by negligence, the penalty shall be probation or a fine of one hundred to three hundred levs.
 
Art. 368. (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2
008; amend. - SG 20/12, in force from 10.06.2012) Whosoever deliberately violates his obligations related t
o the medical certification of soldiers, reservists and reserve officers or during inspection of the equipment i
n connection with the military account, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to eight years, and in war-ti
me - by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
 
Section II.  
Offences against the peace-time alternative service (New, SG 132/98; revoked – SG 38/07, in force fro
m 01.01.2008)  
Art. 368a. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 368b. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 368c. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 368d. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 368e. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 368f. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Art. 368g. (revoked – SG 38/07, in force from 01.01.2008)
 
Section III.  
Other offences  
Art. 369. (1) Whosoever, at war-time, does not fulfil their obligations related to the anti-aircraft, ant
i-nuclear and anti-chemical defence, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) If the act has caused severe consequences, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to eight year
s.
 
Art. 370. Whosoever, at the time of war, being mobilised for labour service, evades or does not fulf
il his obligations related to the assigned work, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Chapter thirteen.  
MILITARY OFFENCES  
Art. 371. (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Liable for offences under this chapter shal
l be:
a) servicemen/women under the Defence and Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria Act;
b) generals, officers and persons from the sergeant and rank-and-file corps from other ministries an
d administrations;
c) (amend. - SG 27/09; amend. – SG 53/14) civil servants at the Ministry of Interior, where commit
ted in time of war or in a combat situation or when participating in a mission or operation outside the countr
y or in connection with combat operations;
d) (amend. - SG 20/12, in force from 10.06.2012) the reservists on active service in the volunteer re
serve as well as the persons performing wartime service;
e) the persons not stated in this article for accomplice in offences under this chapter.
 
Section I.  
Offences against the subordination and the military honour  
Art. 372. (1) Whosoever does not fulfil or refuses to fulfil an order of their superior shall be punish
ed by imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) If the above is committed by a group of persons or in front of the formation, or in a demonstrati
ve way, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to five years.
(3) For offences under the preceding paras, in particularly severe cases, the penalty shall be impriso
nment of three to ten years.
 
Art. 373. The penalty under the respective paras of the preceding Art. shall also be imposed for a fa
ilure to fulfil or refusal to fulfil lawful request of a military official in fulfilment of a duty related to the milit
ary service.
 
Art. 374. Whosoever openly expresses discontent against an order or instruction of his superior shal
l be punished by imprisonment of up to one year.
 
Art. 375. Whosoever threatens his superior or a military official, carrying out his duty related to the 
military service, by a bodily injury or by murder, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 376. (1) Whosoever opposes his superior or a military official carrying out duties related to the 
military service shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
(2) The same penalty shall also be imposed on those who compels such a person to violation of his 
obligations.
(3) If the act under the preceding paras is committed by a weapon or by a group of persons, the pen
alty shall be imprisonment of two to eight years, and in particularly severe cases - imprisonment of three to f
ifteen years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Art. 377. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82) Whosoever commits a violent act against his superior, as well as 
against a military official during or on occasion of fulfilment of an obligation related to the military service s
hall be punished by imprisonment of one to ten years.
(2) If the act has caused severe consequences, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to fifteen 
years.
 
Art. 378. (Amend., SG 28/82) (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever insult
s or slanders a person under art. 371, letter "a", "b", "c" and "d"  shall be punished by imprisonment of u
p to one year and by public reprimand.
(2) If the act under the preceding para is committed by a subordinate against a superior, by a superi
or against a subordinate, as well as by a military official or to a military official during or on occasion of fulf
ilment of a duty related to the military service, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years and pu
blic reprimand.
(3) The penalty under para 2 shall also be imposed on those who, in the absence of his superior, say
s or commits something of a nature derogating his honour or dignity.
 
Art. 379. (Amend., SG 28/82) (1) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever cause
s a light bodily injury to a person under art. 371, letter "a", "b", "c" and "d" , unless the act represents a 
more severe crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year.
(2) For causing light bodily injury by a superior to a subordinate, by a military official, during or on 
occasion of fulfilment of a duty related to the military service, or to more than one person, the penalty shall 
be imprisonment of up to three years.
 
Art. 379a. (New, SG 28/82) Whosoever commits a violent or indecent act grossly violating the arm
y order and expressing open disrespect to the military honour and dignity of a military man, unless the act re
presents a more severe crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six years.
 
Section II.  
Evading military service  
Art. 380. (Amend., SG 28/82) (1) Whosoever, without permit leaves the unit or the place of his serv
ice or does not report for duty for appointment, transfer, commissioning, from leave, medical or corrective e
stablishment for a period of one to three days and nights shall be punished for evading military service by im
prisonment of up to two years.
(2) The penalty under the preceding para shall also be imposed on those who evade service for a pe
riod less than one day and one night if the act has been repeatedly committed, or by a group or if the person 
has been convicted for evading military service.
 
Art. 381. (Amend., SG 28/82) Whosoever evades military service for a period longer than three day
s and nights, or if the act under para 1 of the preceding Art. has been committed systematically, repeatedly o
r by a group, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Art. 382. Whosoever evades service with an intention of avoiding for good the fulfilment of his obli
gation to the military service shall be punished by imprisonment of one to eight years.
 
Art. 383. (1) (Amend., SG 28/82) Whosoever evades an obligation to the military service by simula
ting a disease, forgery of a document or in any other fraudulent way, unless the act represents a more severe 
crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to five years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(2) Whosoever evades an obligation to the military service by causing health disorder shall be punis
hed by imprisonment of one to eight years.
(3) If the act under the preceding paras represents a particularly severe case, the penalty shall be im
prisonment of three to ten years.
 
Art. 384. (Revoked, SG 28/82)
 
Art. 385. Whosoever refuses to fulfil obligations to the military service or systematically evades the
ir fulfilment shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Art. 386. (1) (New, SG 89/86) Whosoever evades military service with an intention to leave the cou
ntry without permit by the respective bodies shall be punished by imprisonment of one to eight years.
(2) (Prev., para 1 - SG 89/86) Whosoever evades military service by leaving the country without pe
rmit by the respective bodies or does not return to it within the fixed term, unless the act represents a more s
evere crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten years.
(3) (Prev., para 2 - suppl., SG 28/82; amend., SG 89/86) For preparation with respect to the precedi
ng paras the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Section III.  
Misdemeanour in office  
Art. 387. (1) Whosoever abuses power or his official status, does not fulfil his official duties or stret
ches his authority, thus causing harmful consequences, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three yea
rs.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82) If the act has caused major consequences or it has been committed systema
tically by a superior regarding his subordinate, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to eight years.
(3) (New, SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) If the act under the preceding p
aras has been committed for the purpose of acquiring by the perpetrator for himself or for another property b
enefit or to cause damage to another, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to five years under para 1, fro
m three to eight years under para 2, and in particularly major cases - from three to ten years, whereas the cou
rt shall also rule revoking of right according to art. 37, para 1, item 6 .
(4) (New, SG 28/82; prev. para 3 - SG 89/86) If the harmful consequences have been caused by neg
ligence, the penalty shall be: under para 1 - imprisonment of up to two years, under para 2 - imprisonment of 
up to five years.
 
Art. 388. (Amend., and suppl., SG 28/82) (1) Whosoever, by negligence, violates or does not fulfil 
his official duties, thus causing harmful consequences, unless the act represents a more severe crime, shall b
e punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
(2) If the act has caused major consequences, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Section IV.  
Offences against the sentinel, guard, patrol, internal and border service  
Art. 389. (1) Whosoever deliberately or by negligence violates the statute rules of the sentinel, guar
d or patrol service or the orders issues on the grounds of these rules shall be punished by imprisonment of up 
to one year.
(2) If the offence has been committed at a site of particularly significant state or military importanc
e, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) If the offence is accompanied by harmful consequences, for the prevention of which the sentinel
, guard or patrol has been settled, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to eight years.
(4) If the act under para 2 and 3 represents a particularly severe case. the penalty shall be imprison
ment of three to ten years.
 
Art. 390. The penalty according to the respective paras of the preceding Art. shall also be imposed 
on detail person who violates the established rules for the observation or announcement in connection with t
he provision of the anti-aircraft, anti-nuclear, anti-chemical or sanitary defence, as well as the defence of the 
water area.
 
Art. 391. (1) A person of the round-the-clock detail who deliberately or by negligence violates the e
stablished rules of the internal service shall be punished in serious cases by imprisonment of up to six month
s.
(2) If the offence is accompanied by occurrence of harmful consequences for the prevention of whi
ch the detail has been settled, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to two years.
(3) If the act represents a particularly severe case, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to three y
ears.
 
Art. 392. (1) A person of the staff of the border detail who deliberately or by negligence violates th
e rules of the protection of the state border shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.
(2) If the act has been an expression of unauthorised abandoning or not attending the guarded site o
r section of the state border, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to eight years.
(3) The penalty for the offences under the preceding paras, in particularly severe cases, shall be imp
risonment of three to fifteen years.
 
Section V.  
Other military offences  
Art. 393. (amend., SG 26/04) Whosoever divulges, in any way whatsoever, information of military 
nature representing a state secret, or foreign classified information obtained pursuant to an international agre
ement party to which is the Republic of Bulgaria shall be punished by imprisonment of three to ten years.
 
Art. 394. (Revoked - SG 28/82)
 
Art. 395. Whosoever abandons or loses objects given to him for personal use with respect of his dut
ies shall be punished, in major cases by imprisonment of up to one year.
 
Section VI.  
Military offences committed in time of war or in a tactical situation or in participation in a mission or 
operation abroad (Title amend. –SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006)  
Art. 396. (Amend., and suppl., SG 28/82; suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty 
for military offences committed in time of war or in participation in a mission or operation abroad shall be:
1. under art. 387, para 3 , first sentence, art. 388, para 1  and art. 391 - imprisonment of up to five 
years;
2. under art. 372, para 1 , art. 373, in connection with art. 372, para 1 , art. 374, 375, 380 and art. 
387, para 3 , second sentence, art. 388, para 2  - imprisonment of up to eight years;
3. under art. 381, 385, art. 386, para 2 , art. 387, para 1  - imprisonment of three to ten years;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.4. under art. 373, in connection with art. 372, para 2 and 3 , art. 387, para 2 , art. 389, para 2 an
d 3 and art. 390 - imprisonment of three to fifteen years.
 
Art. 397. (1) (Amend., SG 153/98; suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty for th
e offences under art. 372, para 2 and 3 , art. 376, art. 377, para 2 , art. 382, art. 383, para 3 , committed in 
time of war or in a tactical situation or in participation in a mission or operation abroad, shall be imprisonme
nt of five to twenty years or life imprisonment without parole.
(2) (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 153/98; suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) The penalty for t
he offence under art. 101, para 2  and art. 386, para 1 , committed in time of war or in a tactical situation or 
in participation in a mission or operation abroad, shall be imprisonment of twenty years or life imprisonment 
without parole.
 
Art. 397a. (New, SG 28/82) (1) (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) Whosoever, in time 
of war or in a tactical situation or in a tactical situation or in participation in a mission or operation abroad, l
eaves without authorisation the place of his duty or does not appear for duty for no longer than one day and 
night shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
(2) (suppl. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006)Whosoever, in time of war or in a tactical situatio
n or in a tactical situation or in participation in a mission or operation abroad, does not appear for duty for a t
ime longer than one day and night by negligence shall be punished by imprisonment of up to five years.
 
Section VII.  
Offences in connection with military operations  
Art. 398. (1) A superior who:
a) does not destroy or does not render unfit assigned to him combat means or does not take the due 
measures for their destruction or rendering unfit when they are threatened by an immediate danger of being s
eized by the enemy, or
b) even though he had not received orders for military operation, but being necessary to act, he has 
not duly called forth the issuance of such an order or he has not acted on his own initiative in urgent circums
tances shall be punished by imprisonment of three to fifteen years, unless the act represents a more severe cr
ime.
(2) If the act has been committed by negligence, the penalty shall be imprisonment of up to five yea
rs.
 
Art. 399. (Amend., SG 153/98) A commander of a perishing warship who, without having fulfilled 
completely his official duty, leaves the ship, as well as a person of the ship crew who leaves the ship without 
the order of his commander shall be punished by imprisonment of ten to twenty years or by life imprisonme
nt without parole.
 
Art. 400. (Amend., SG 28/82; SG 153/98) Whosoever leaves without authorisation the battlefield d
uring a fight or yields himself prisoner due to fear or cowardice, or refuse during a fight to use weapon shall 
be punished by imprisonment of twenty years or life imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 401. Whosoever, while in captivity, voluntarily participates in operations of immediate militar
y importance, unless the act represents a more severe crime, shall be punished by imprisonment of two to ei
ght years.
 
Art. 402. Whosoever, while in captivity, as a superior regards with cruelty another prisoner of war, 
shall be punished by imprisonment of two to eight years.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Art. 403. Whosoever, while in captivity, commits acts to the detriment of another prisoner of war in 
order to procure for himself benefit or ensure condescending attitude by the enemy shall be punished by imp
risonment of one to five years.
 
Art. 404. Whosoever robs, steals, misappropriates, damages, destroys or illegally seizes possessions 
of a population in the region of the military operations, unless the act represents a more severe crime, shall b
e punished by imprisonment of three to fifteen years, and in particularly severe cases - by imprisonment of t
en to fifteen years.
 
Art. 405. Whosoever, on the battlefield, seizes possessions of a wounded, prisoner of war or killed, 
with the purpose of misappropriation, unless the act represents a more severe crime, shall be punished for m
arauding by imprisonment of three to fifteen years, and in particularly severe cases - by imprisonment of ten 
to fifteen years.
 
Additional provisions  
 
Art. 406. (1) (Amend., SG 153/98; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) For the offences 
under this chapter, stipulated for which is a penalty of imprisonment of more than ten years or life imprison
ment without parole the court shall also rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 6, 7, 9 and 
10.
(2) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) For the offences under art. 386 and 393 the cou
rt can rule revoking of rights according to art. 37, para 1, item 9 and 10 .
(3) (Para 3 -revoked, prev. para 4; amend., SG 28/82, revoked SG 86/05, in force from 29.04.06)
(4) (New, SG 28/82, revoked SG 86/05. in force from 29.04.06)
 
Chapter fourteen.  
OUTRAGE ON PEACE AND HUMANITY  
Section I.  
Outrage on peace  
Art. 407. Whosoever carries out, in any way whatsoever, propaganda of war shall be punished by i
mprisonment of up to eight years.
 
Art. 408. Whosoever, directly or indirectly, through publications, speeches, radio or in any other wa
y aims at provoking armed attack by one country to another, shall be punished for war instigation by impriso
nment of three to ten years.
 
Art. 409. (Amend., SG 153/98) Whosoever plans, prepares or wages aggressive war shall be punish
ed by imprisonment of fifteen to twenty years or by life imprisonment without parole.
 
Section II.  
Outrage on the laws and the practice of waging war  
Art. 410. Whosoever, in violation of the international law for waging war:
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.a) commits or orders the commission against wounded, sick, shipwrecked or sanitary personnel ho
micide, torture or inhuman treatment, including biological experiments, or orders the infliction on such pers
ons severe suffering, mutilation or other damages to the health;
b) commits or orders the commission of substantial destruction or misappropriation of sanitary mat
erials or installations;
(Amend., SG 153/98) shall be punished by imprisonment of five to twenty years or by life imprison
ment without parole.
 
Art. 411. Whosoever, in violation of the rules of the international law for waging war:
a) commits or orders the commission regarding prisoners of war homicide, tortures or inhuman trea
tment, including biological experiments, inflicts or orders the inflicting to such persons severe suffering, mut
ilation or other damages to the health;
b) compels a prisoner of war to serve in the armed forces of the hostile country or
c) deprives a war prisoner of his right to be litigated in a regular court and under regular proceeding
s,
(Amend., SG 153/98) shall be punished by imprisonment of five to twenty years or by life imprison
ment without parole.
 
Art. 412. Whosoever, in violation of the rules of the international law for waging war:
a) commits or orders commission against the civil society of homicide, torture, inhuman treatment, 
including biological experiments, inflicts or orders the inflicting of severe suffering, mutilation or other seri
ous damages to the health;
b) takes or orders the taking of hostages;
c) commits or orders the commission of illegal deportation, persecution or detention;
d) compels a civilian to serve in the armed forces of a hostile country;
e) deprives a civilian of his right to be litigated in a regular court and under the regular proceedings;
f) illegally or arbitrarily commits or orders the commission of destruction or misappropriation of po
ssessions in large size,
(Amend., SG 153/98) shall be punished by imprisonment of five to twenty years or by life imprison
ment without parole.
 
Art. 413. Whosoever, without having right, bears the badge of the Red Cross or of the Red Crescent
, or who misuses a flag or a sign of the Red Cross or of the Red Crescent, or of the colour determined for ve
hicles for sanitary evacuation, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to two years.
 
Art. 414. (1) Whosoever, in violation of the rules of the international rule for waging war, destroys, 
damages or renders unfit cultural or historic monuments and objects, works of art, buildings and installations 
of cultural, scientific or other humanitarian importance shall be punished by imprisonment of one to ten year
s.
(2) The same penalty shall also be imposed on those who steal, misappropriate or conceals objects 
under the preceding para, or impose contribution or confiscation regarding such objects.
 
Art. 415. (1) (Suppl., SG 62/97; Amend. and Suppl., SG 92/02) Whosoever, in violation of the rules 
of the international law for waging war uses or orders the using of nuclear, chemical, bacteriological, biologi
cal or toxic weapons or prohibited means and ways of waging war shall be punished by imprisonment of thr
ee to ten years.
(2) (Amend., SG 153/98) If the above causes particularly severe consequences, the penalty shall be 
imprisonment of ten to twenty years or life imprisonment without parole.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 415a. (New, SG 92/02) Whosoever undertakes military preparations for using nuclear, chemica
l, bacteriological, biological or toxic weapons as a method of waging war shall be punished by imprisonmen
t of one to six years.
 
Section III.  
Genocide and apartheid against groups of the population (Title amend., SG 95/75)  
Art. 416. (1) Whosoever, with the purpose of annihilating entirely or partially a definite national, et
hnic, racial or religious group:
a) causes death, severe bodily injury or permanent mental disorder to a person belonging to such a 
group;
b) places the group in such living conditions which lead to its complete or partial physical extermin
ation;
c) undertakes measures aimed at the obstruction of the childbirth in such a group;
d) forcibly transfers children from one group to another,
(Amend., SG 153/98) shall be punished for genocide by imprisonment of ten to twenty years or by l
ife imprisonment without parole.
(2) (Prev. text of art. 147 - SG 95/75) Whosoever carries out preparation for a genocide shall be pu
nished by imprisonment of two to eight years.
(3) (Prev. text of art. 418 - SG 95/75) Whosoever apparently and directly instigates genocide shall b
e punished by imprisonment of one to eight years.
 
Art. 417. (New, SG 95/75) Whosoever, with the purpose of establishing or maintaining domination 
or systematic oppression of one racial group of people over another racial group of people:
a) causes death and severe bodily injury to one or more persons of this group of people or
b) imposes living conditions of a nature causing complete or partial physical extermination of a raci
al group of people,
(Amend., SG 153/98) shall be punished for apartheid by imprisonment of ten to twenty years or life 
imprisonment without parole.
 
Art. 418. (New, SG 95/75) Whosoever, for the purposes under the preceding Art.:
a) illegally imprisons members of a racial group of people or subjects them to a compulsory labour;
b) enacts measures for obstructing the participation of a racial group of people in the political, socia
l, economic and cultural life of the country and for premeditated creation of conditions obstructing the full d
evelopment of such a group of people, in particular, by depriving its members of the basic freedoms and righ
ts of the citizens;
c) enacts measures for division of the population by racial element by creating reservations and ghe
ttos, by prohibition of intermarriages between members of different racial groups or by expropriation of poss
essed land property;
d) revokes basic rights and freedoms of organisations or persons for reasons of opposing the aparth
eid, shall be punished by imprisonment of five to fifteen years.
 
Additional provisions  
(title amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011)  
Art. 419. In compliance with the differences of the preceding articles punished shall be those who d
eliberately admits his subordinate to commit the crime stipulated by this chapter.
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.Art. 419a. (new – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) (1) Whoever, in whatever manner, justifies, 
denies or seriously underestimates a crime against peace and humanity and by doing so creates a risk of expr
ession of violence or hatred against individuals or groups of people united by race, skin colour, religion, des
cent, national or ethnic origin, shall be punishable by imprisonment from one to five years.,
(2) Whoever incites someone to commit a crime under para 1 shall be punishable by imprisonment 
of up to one year.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
 
Art. 420. This code shall enter into force on May 1, 1968 and it revokes:
1. The Penal Code of 1951;
2. The Law for protection of the peace of 1951;
3. The edict for strengthening the fight against the persons evading socially useful labour and leadin
g anti-social parasitic way of living.
 
Art. 421. The persons sentenced to deprivation of right to be electorate or elected or of the right to a 
particular pension (art. 28, item 1 and 4 of the Penal Code of 1951) shall be exempt from this penalty on the 
day of enactment of this Code.
 
Art. 422. The death penalty for persons sentenced for offences for which such a penalty is not stipul
ated by this Code shall be replaced by imprisonment for a period of twenty years. This provision shall enter i
nto force on the day of promulgation of this code.
 
Art. 423. The measures imposed until the enactment of this code according to the Edict for strength
ening the fight against the persons evading socially useful labour and leading anti-social parasitic way of livi
ng shall be fulfilled by the order established by it, as the maximal term of this measures under art. 1, para 1, 
letter "b" shall be reduced to three years.
 
Art. 424. (Amend., SG 92/69; SG 95/75; SG 3/77; suppl., SG 89/79; amend. and suppl., SG 28/82; 
SG 89/86; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) (1) (Amend., SG 10/93; suppl., SG 62/97; SG 51/0
0; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) Applied for the acts under art. 135, para 5 , art. 218b , art. 
225b, para 3 , art. 228, para 3 , art. 231, para 2 , art. 232, para 3 , art. 242, para 6 , 352a, para 5  and art. 3
53, para 4  shall be the provisions of the Administrative violations and penalties Act .
(2) (Amend., SG 1/91; SG 10/93; SG 62/97) The penal decrees shall be issued:
a) Under art. 135, para 5  - by the Minister of Health;
b) (amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011; a
mend. - SG 14/2015) under art. 225b, para 3 - by the Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism; under art. 
228, para 3  and art. 231, para 2  - by the Minister of Economy or by the Chairman of the State Agency of 
Metrology and Technical Surveillance;
c) (amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011; amend. - SG 14/2015) under art. 232, para 3  - b
y the Minister of Economy by the Minister of Finance or by the Chairman of the State Agency of Metrology 
and Technical Surveillance;
d) (Suppl., SG 51/00; amend. – SG 75/06, in force from 13.10.2006) under art. 242, para 6  - by th
e Minister of Finance;
e) (amend. – SG 93/09, in force from 25.12.2009; amend. – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011) un
der art. 352a, para 5  and art. 353, para 4  - by the Minister of Environment and Waters, and if the offence i
s related to the pollution of the sea waters - by the Minister of Environment or by the Minister of Transport, 
Information Technology and Communications.
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.(3) In the cases of the preceding para the penal decrees can also be issued by officials appointed by 
the heads of the respective administrative bodies.
(4) (revoked – SG 33/11, in force from 27.05.2011)
(5) (Amend., SG 10/93) The administrative sanction fine according to art. 218b  shall be imposed b
y a penal decree of the mayor on the grounds of materials sent o him by the prosecutor, or an act of the admi
nistration of the enterprise, establishment or of the control bodies. If the offence has been established by the 
bodies of the Ministry of Interior the penal decree shall be issued by the Minister of Interior or by a person a
uthorised by him.
(6) (amend., SG 86/05, in force from 29.04.06) Regarding the militaries, as well as the officers and 
sergeants, as well as persons from the rankers staff of other institutions, the administrative sanctions stipulat
ed by this code shall be imposed by the respective commander and superiors, who have the right to impose d
isciplinary penalties. In this case the appeals against the penal decrees shall be heard by a military tribunal.
(7) (revoked – SG 86/05, in force from 29.04.06)
(8) (Amend., SG 10/93; amend., SG 92/02) In minor cases of offences according to art. 225b, para 
3 established when committed the authorised control bodies can impose on the spot a fine of one hundred to 
three hundred levs by the order of art. 39, para 2 of the Administrative violations and penalties Act .
 
Art. 425. (New, SG 10/93; revoked SG 51/99)
 
Art. 426. (New, SG 50/95) The persons who, pursuant to the previous art. 343b , second sentence, h
ave been deprived of the right to drive motor vehicles for good can restore their right not earlier than three y
ears from serving the term of imprisonment and upon passing an examination for acquiring right to drive a 
motor vehicle.
 
AMENDMENTS IN OTHER LAWS  
§ 1. In the Law for the Bulgarian citizenship:
In Art. 26 the words "and in particularly important cases - by imprisonment" are deleted.
 
§ 2. In the Law for the forests:
1. In art. 42, para 1, after the words "cut or fallen" are added the words "when the size of the damag
e is under one hundred levs".
Para 2 of the same Art. is revoked.
2. In art. 43 the words "para 1" and the words at the end "and in the cases of para 2 of the same Art. 
- by imprisonment of up to three years or by probation" are deleted.
3. In art. 45, para 1, after the words "forest nursery" are added the words "if the size of the damage i
s under one hundred levs".
4. In art. 52, para 2 the words "by imprisonment of up to three years or by probation" are replaced b
y the words "by a fine of up to five hundred levs".
 
§ 3. In the Law for protection of the plants against diseases and pests:
In art. 10, para 1, after the words "quarantine of the plants" are added the words "inasmuch as the a
ct does not represent a crime", and the words "by imprisonment of up to five years, and in minor cases" are d
eleted.
 
§ 4. In the Law for the customs:
1. In art. 51, para 1, after the words "by the established order" are added the words " inasmuch as th
e act does not represent a crime".
2. Para 2 of art. 51 is amended as follows:
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г."The commodities subject of contraband, as well as the vehicles and carriers having served mainly f
or their transportation or carrying through the border, regardless of whose property they are, shall be seized i
n favour of the state, and if they are missing or alienated their equivalence shall be adjudicated according to 
the respective retail prices."
3. In art. 52, 53, 54 and 59 the words "shall be confiscated" are replaced by the words "shall be seiz
ed in favour of the state", and in art. 61 the words "to confiscation" are replaced by the words "to seizing in f
avour of the state".
4. Art. 55 and 57 are revoked.
 
§ 5. In the Law for the transactions with currency valuables and currency control:
1. In art. 37 and 38, para 2 the words "according to art. 240" are replaced by the words "according t
o art. 250".
"For the acts under art. 250, para 3 of the Penal Code shall apply the provisions of Chapter Twenty 
Eight of the Penal Procedure Code.
The penal decrees shall be issued by the Minister of Finance or by officials authorised by him.
If the value of the subject of the act is up to twenty levs imposed shall be a double amount fine by t
he body which has established the offence or by another duly authorised person. The imposing of the fine sh
all be subject to appeal before the Ministry of Finance."
 
§ 6. In the Law for the rents:
In art. 37 the words "by imprisonment of up to one year or" are deleted.
 
§ 7. In the Law for protection of the air, waters and soil against pollution:
articles 18 and 19 are revoked.
 
§ 8. In the Law for planned building up of populated areas:
In art. 67, para 1 the words "by imprisonment of up to one year" are replaced by the words "by a fin
e of up to one thousand levs".
 
§ 9. In the Law for the hunting:
"Whosoever kills or catches without due permit big game, such as deer, hind, wild goat, stag of a fa
llow deer, roe, bear, boar shall be punished according to art. 237, para 1 of the Penal Code.
Whosoever, without holding a hunting licence, kills or catches hare, marten, beech marten, wood-gr
ouse, pheasant, partridge or quail, as well as those who, though holding a hunting licence, kills or catches su
ch game in a prohibited period, in prohibited area or by prohibited devices shall be punished according to art
. 237, para 2 of the Penal Code.
Whosoever, without holding a hunting licence, kills or catches wild goose, wild duck, bustard, haze
l-hen, squirrel, pigeon, turtle-dove and quail, as well as all the other kinds of useful game subject of hunting, 
shall be punished by a fine of up to fifty levs.
Punished by the penalty under the preceding para shall also be those who, though holding a hunting 
licence, kill or catch such game during prohibited period, in prohibited place or by prohibited devices.
The killed or caught game shall be seized in favour of the state, and if it is missing or alienated, its 
equivalence shall be paid".
 
§ 10. In the Law for the fishing:
1. Para 2 of art. 23 is revoked.
2. articles 24 and 35 are revoked.
 
§ 11. In the Law for control over the explosives, weapons and munitions:
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.In art. 14 the words "imprisonment" are deleted.
The fulfilment of the present Code is assigned to the Minister of Justice.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
to the Law for amendment and supplement of the Penal Code (SG 28/82)  
§ 151. For the offences which, according to this law, are prosecuted upon a complaint of the aggrie
ved, the terms under art. 84, para 1 and 2 shall start from the enactment of the law. The pending cases shall b
e concluded by the previous order.
 
LAW for amendment and supplement of the Penal Code (SG 10/93)  
§ 43. Everywhere in the text of the Penal Code the words "People's Republic of Bulgaria" are repla
ced by "Republic of Bulgaria", the words "the People's Republic" are replaced by "the republic", the words "
the People's Militia" are replaced by "the police", the words "the socialist economy" and "the people's econo
my" are replaced by "the economy", the words "the rules of the socialist community" are replaced by "the go
od morals" and the words "the State Council" are replaced by "the President".
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
to the Law for amendment and supplement of the Penal Code (SG 62/97)  
§ 75. The provisions of art. 255 and 257 shall enter into force three months after the promulgation o
f this Law in the State Gazette. If, within this period, the not announced and unpaid tax liabilities, together w
ith the due interest are deposited to the state budget preliminary proceedings shall not be instituted.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
to the Law for amendment and supplement of the Penal Code (SG 21/00)  
§ 26. The pending proceedings by the date of enactment of the law for offences under art. 146 - 148
a shall be concluded by the previous order if, within three months from the enactment of the Law the aggrie
ved so requests.
 
Transitional provisions  
(SG 92/02)  
§ 89. (amend., SG 26/04 – in force from January 1, 2004) The amendments of art. 23, para 2, art. 3
7, para 1, art. 42a, art. 48, art. 49, para 1, art. 50, para 2, art. 55, para 1, item 2, art. 59, para 1 regarding the p
enalty of probation, art. 62, item 1a, art. 63, para 1, art. 66, art. 67, art. 68, para 3, art. 70, para 4, 5 and 6, art. 
72, art. 86, para 1, item 2, art. 87, para 3, art. 202, para 3, art. 203, para 2 shall enter into force on January 1, 
2005.
 
§ 90. The recidivists convicted by enforced sentence under the conditions of art. 26 (in force from 
August 8, 1997) before the enactment of this law, shall incur penalty for every conviction, but no more than 
the size for the most severe of the crimes for which they have been convicted, stipulated by the law.
 
§ 91. Pending proceedings by the day of enactment of the law for crimes under art. 172, para 2, art. 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.182, para 2 and art. 183 shall be concluded by the previous order if, within three months from the enactment 
of the law, the aggrieved requests this.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW OF THE CREDIT INSTITUTIONS  
(PROM. – SG 59/06)
 
§ 36. The law shall enter into force from the date of entry into force of the Treaty on the Accession 
of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Union, except for § 35, item 2, which shall enter into force from 
the date of the promulgation of the law in State Gazette.
 
Concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW FOR AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENT OF THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. – SG 75/06, IN FORCE FROM 13.10.2006)
 
§ 73. Everywhere in the Special part the words "under art. 37, item" and "under art. 37, items" shall 
be respectively replaced by "under art. 37, para1, item" and "under art. 37, para 1, items", the words "trainin
g, control or practice muster" shall be replaced by "training-mobilisation event"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
§ 77. This law shall enter into force one month after its promulgation in State Gazette.
 
Concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 38/07; AMEND. - SG 89/07)
 
§ 23. (amend. - SG 89/07) Paragraphs 16 – 21 shall enter into force from 1 December 2007.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVE FUND  
(PROM. - 57/07, IN FORCE FROM 13.07.2007)
 
§ 23. The Law shall enter into force from the day of its promulgation in the State Gazette.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW FOR THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM  
(PROM. - 64/07)
 
§ 20. In the Penal Code (prom. – SG 36/68, corr. – SG 29/68; amend. – SG 92/69; SG 26 and 27/73
; SG 89/74; SG 95/75. SG 3/77; SG 54/78; SG 89/79; SG 28/82; corr. – SG 31/82; amend. – SG 44/84; SG 4
1 and 79/85; corr. – SG 80/85; amend. – SG 89/86; corr. – SG 90/86; amend. – SG 37, 91 and 99/89; SG 10, 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.31 and 81/90; SG 1 and 86/91; corr. – SG 90/91; amend. – SG 105/91; SG 54/92; SG 10/93; SG 50/95; SG 9
7/95 – Decision No. 19 of the Constitutional Court of 1997; amend. – SG 83, 85, 132, 133 and 153/98; SG 7
, 51 and 81/99; SG 21 and 51/00; SG 98/00 – Decision No. 14 of the Constitutional Court of 2000; amend. – 
SG 41 and 101/01; SG 45 and 92/02; SG 26 and 103/04; SG 24, 43, 76, 86 and 88/05; SG 59,75 and 102/06; 
SG 38 and 57/07) everywhere the words "deputy bailiff" shall be replaced with the words "deputy private ba
iliff".
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW OF AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE TAX-INSURANCE PRO
CEDURE CODE  
(PROM. – SG 12/09, IN FORCE FROM 01.05.2009)
 
§ 68. This Law shall enter into force from 1 May 2009 except § 65, 66 and 67, which shall enter int
o force from the date of promulgation of the Law in the State Gazette.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW OF AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE TAX-INSURANCE PRO
CEDURE CODE  
(PROM. – SG 12/09, IN FORCE FROM 01.05.2009; SUPPL. - SG 32/09)
 
§ 68. (suppl. - SG 32/09) This Law shall enter into force from 1 May 2009 except § 65, 66 and 67, 
which shall enter into force from the date of promulgation of the Law in the State Gazette and § 2 - 10, § 12, 
Items 1 and 2 - regarding Para 10 and 11, Item 8, Letter "a", Items 9 and 12 and § 53 - 64, which shall enter 
into force from 1 January 2010.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 27/09)
§ 70. Paragraphs 36, 50, 51, 52, 53 and § 64, Item 1 shall enter into force from 10 April 2009, and § 
64, Items 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 shall enter into force from 1 June 2009.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE FAMILY CODE  
(PROM. - SG 47/09, IN FORCE FROM 01.10.2009)
 
§ 18. This law shall enter into force from 1 October 2009.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW OF THE FORESTS  
(PROM. - SG 80/09)
 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.§ 60. In the Penal Code (prom - SG 26/68) the words "State Agency of Forests" shall everywhere b
e replaced by "Executive Agency of Forests ".
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW FOR THE MINIST
RY OF INTERIOR  
(PROM. – SG 93/09, IN FORCE FROM 25.12.2009)
 
§ 100. This Law shall enter into force in one month after promulgation in the State Gazette, except 
for § 1, 2, 21, 36, 39, 41, 44, 45, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 56, 57, 59, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70 and 91, which shall enter in
to force from the day of its promulgation.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW ON PROTECTION 
AGAINST THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE  
(PROM. – SG 102/09, IN FORCE FROM 22.12.2009)
 
§ 27. This Law shall enter into force from the day of its promulgation in the State Gazette, except f
or § 7, Item 2 regarding Art. 6, Para 5, 6, 7 and 8, which shall enter into force from 1 January 2010.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE PENAL PROCEDURE C
ODE 
(PROM. - SG 32/10, IN FORCE FROM 28.05.2010)
 
§ 72. This Law shall enter into force within one month from its promulgation in the State Gazette, e
xcept for the provision of § 5, which shall enter into force one year after the promulgation of the law in the S
tate Gazette.
 
Additional provisions  
TO THE LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 33 ОТ 2011, IN FORCE FROM 27.05.2011)
 
§ 38. The present :aw introduces the requirements of:
1. DIRECTIVE 2009/123/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 
21 October 2009 amending Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalti
es for infringements;
2. Directive 2008/99/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on t
he protection of the environment through criminal law;
3. COUNCIL FRAMEWORK DECISION 2008/675/JHA of 24 July 2008 on taking account of con
victions in the Member States of the European Union in the course of new criminal proceedings
4. COUNCIL FRAMEWORK DECISION 2008/919/JHA of 28 November 2008 amending Frame
work Decision 2002/475/JHA on combating terrorism;
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.5. COUNCIL FRAMEWORK DECISION 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating cert
ain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE LAW ON AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 33 ОТ 2011, IN FORCE FROM 27.05.2011)
 
§ 45. Within one month from entry into force of this Law the Council of Ministers shall submit at t
he National Assembly draft laws on amendment and supplementation of the statutory instruments whose pro
visions ought to be brought in compliance with it.
 
§ 46. The Law shall enter into force a month after its promulgation in the State Gazette, except for 
§ 21 and § 22, which shall enter into force three months after its promulgation in the State Gazette.
 
Additional provisions  
TO THE ACT SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 19/12)
 
§ 2. This Act introduces the requirements of DIRECTIVE 2009/52/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PAR
LIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 June 2009 providing for minimum standards on sanctions and 
measures against employers of illegally staying third-country.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ARMED FORCES RESERVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA ACT  
(PROM. - SG 20/12, IN FORCE FROM 10.06.2012)
 
§ 12. This Act shall enter into force from the date of its promulgation in the State Gazette, except fo
r the provisions of Art. 56, 57, 58 and 59, which shall enter into force from September 1, 2013.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 60/12, IN FORCE FROM 08.09.2012)
 
§ 3. This Act shall enter into force from the date of its promulgation in the State Gazette.
 
Additional provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. – SG 84/13)
§ 6. This Act shall introduce the requirements of Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament 
and the Council on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and rep
lacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA ( ОВ, L 101/1 of 15 April 2011).
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ELECTION CODE  
(PROM. – SG 19/14, IN FORCE FROM 05.03.2014)
 
§ 30. The Code shall enter into force from the date of its promulgation in the State Gazette.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT ON THE BUDGET OF THE STATE PUBLIC INSURANCE FOR THE YEAR 2015  
(PROM. - SG 107/14, IN FORCE FROM 01.01.2015)
 
§ 10. This Act shall enter into force as of January 1, 2015, except for § 3, item 5, letter "b", item 18 
and 31, which shall enter into force from January 1, 2016.
 
Concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS 
ACT 
(PROM. SG 24/15, IN FORCE FROM 31.03.2015)
 
§ 9. This Act shall enter into force from the day of promulgation in the State Gazette.
Concluding provisions  
TO THE EUROPEAN PROTECTION ORDER ACT  
(PROM. - SG 41/15, IN FORCE FROM 06.07.2015)
§ 6. This Act shall enter  into force one month  after its promulgation  in the State Gazette .
Additional provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 74/15)
 
§ 32. The present act implements the requirements of Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parlia
ment and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of chil
dren and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (OJ, L 335/1 of 17.1
2.2011; corr. OJ, L 18/7 of 21.01.2012).
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 74/15, AMEND. – SG 83/16)
 
§ 33. Any pending proceedings for crimes under Art. 167, Para 2, Art. 168a, Art. 343, Para 3 and 4, 
and Art. 344, Para 1, shall be finalised under the hitherto effective order.
…………………………..
§ 35. (declared unconstitutional by a Decision of the Constitutional Court № 12 of 2016 - SG 83 
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.of 2016) Paragraph 2 shall apply also to crimes, of which the periods of prescription have already expired.
§ 36. (declared unconstitutional by a Decision of the Constitutional Court № 12 of 2016 - SG 83 
of 2016) The criminal proceedings on crimes under § 2, which have been terminated due to expired period 
of prescription, shall be resumed with the entry into force of the present act.
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE STATE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY ACT  
(PROM. - SG 79/15, IN FORCE FROM 01.11.2015)
§ 31. This Act shall enter into force from 1 st of November 2015, with the exception of § 17 it. 4 acc
ording to Art. 69, which shall enter into force from 1 st of January 2016
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE INSURANCE CODE  
(PROM. - SG 102/15, IN FORCE FROM 01.01.2016)
§ 50. (1) This code shall enter into force from 1 January 2016, except Art. 574, Para 8, which shall 
enter into force from 1 July 2016.
(2) Before 1 July 2016 the exchange of information under Art. 574, Para 3 - 7 shall take place on w
eekly basis, where on each first day of the week:
1. The Ministry of Interior and the Executive Directorate “Automobile Administration” shall provid
e to the Information Centre the current data under Art/ 574, Para 3 and 4;
2. The Information Centre shall provide to the Ministry of Interior and the Executive Directorate “
Automobile Administration” the current data under Art. 574, Para 5 - 7.
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE EXECUTION OF PENALTIES AND D
ETENTION ACT  
(PROM. - SG 13/17, IN FORCE FROM 07.02.2017)
§ 53. The Act shall enter into force from the day of its promulgation in the State Gazette, except for
:
1. paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and § 6 relating to Art. 35a and Art. 36, para. 1 which shall enter into force on 
July 1, 2017;
2. paragraph 45 relating to Part Six, which shall enter into force on May 1, 2017.
 
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PUBL. – SG, 101/17)
§ 33. This act shall introduce the provisions of:
1. Directive 2013/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 August 2013 on attac
ks against information systems and replacing Council Framework Decision 2005/222/JHA (OJ, L 218/8 of 1
4 August 2013).
2. Directive 2014/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the prot
ection of the euro and other currencies against counterfeiting by criminal law, and replacing Council Frame
work Decision 2000/383/JHA (OJ, L 151/1 of 21 May 2014).
3. Directive 2014/57/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on crimin
al sanctions for market abuse (market abuse directive) (OJ, L 173/179 of 12 June 2014).
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г. 
Additional provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. – SG 7/19)
§ 5. This Act introduces the requirements of Directive 2014/42/EU of the European Parliament and 
of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the freezing and confiscation of instrumentalities and proceeds of crime in 
the European Union (OJ, L 127/39 of 29 April 2014, correction (OJ, L 138/114 of 13 May 2014).
 
§ 6. The National Statistical Institute shall collect from the competent authorities and submit to the 
European Commission the statistical data under Art. 11 of Directive 2014/42/EU of the European Parliament 
and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the freezing and confiscation of instrumentalities and proceeds of cri
me in the European Union.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 16/19)
§ 16. (1) Any proceedings under Art. 177 and Art. 190 which have not been completed before the e
nactment of this Act shall be finished in the current order.
(2) Any court proceedings under Art. 182, Para. 2, which have not been concluded before the entry 
into force of this Act shall be completed according to the previous order.
 
Additional provisions  
TO THE ACT SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL-PROCEDURE CODE  
(PROM. – 83/19)
§ 3. Article 201, Para. 2 of the Penal Code and Art. 83a, Para. 1 of the Administrative Violations an
d Penalties Act introduce the requirements of Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of t
he Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal la
w (OB, L 198 / 29 of July 28, 2017).
 
Concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PAYMENT SERVICES AND PAYMEN
T SYSTEMS ACT  
(PROM. – SG 13/20, IN FORCE FROM 14.02.2020)
§ 44. This Act shall enter into force on the day of its promulgation in the State Gazette, with the exc
eption of § 31 which shall enter into force within 6 months after its promulgation.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE STATE OF EMERGENCY MEASURES AND ACTIONS ACT, DECLARED BY A DECIS
ION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF 13 MARCH 2020 AND TO OVERCOME THE CONSE
QUENCES  
(PROM. - SG 28/20, IN FORCE FROM 13.03.2020, AMEND. AND SUPPL. SG 44/20, IN FORC
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.E FROM 14.05.2020)
§ 52. (amend. and suppl. SG 44/20, in force from 14.05.2020) The Act shall enter into force on Mar
ch 13, 2020, with the exception of Art. 5, § 3, § 12, § 25 - 31, § 41, § 49 and § 51, which shall enter into forc
e on the day of promulgation of the Act in the State Gazette.
 
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE HEALTH ACT  
(PROM. - SG 44/20, in force from 14.05.2020)
§ 44. The Act shall enter into force on 14 May 2020, with the exception of § 33, 34 and 35, which s
hall enter into force on the day of promulgation of the Act in the State Gazette.
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT ON THE BUDGET OF THE STATE PUBLIC INSURANCE FOR 2021  
(PROM. - SG 103/20, IN FORCE FROM 01.01.2021)
§ 14. This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2021, with the exception of:
1. paragraph 8, item 1, letter "a", which shall enter into force on January 1, 2023;
2. paragraph 8, items 6, 8, 9 and item 17, letter "b", which shall enter into force on September 1, 20
21.
 
Additional provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL-PROCEDURE CODE  
(PROM. - SG 103/20)
§ 11. This Act and Art. 253, Para. 3, item 5 of the Penal Code introduce the requirements of Directi
ve (EU) 2018/1673 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on combating money 
laundering by criminal law (OJ, L 284/22 of 12 November 2018).
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL-PROCEDURE CODE  
(PROM. - SG 103/20)
§ 12. The European Prosecutor and the European Delegated Prosecutors may intervene in the pendi
ng criminal proceedings for crimes within the competence of the European Public Prosecutor's Office comm
itted after 20 November 2017, instituted by the authorities of the Republic of Bulgaria, in accordance with R
egulation (EU) 2017/1939.
 
Transitional and concluding provisions  
TO THE BULGARIAN SIGN LANGUAGE ACT  
(PROM. – SG 9/21, IN FORCE FROM 06.02.2021)
§ 9. The act shall enter into force three days from its promulgation in the State Gazette, with the ex
ception of Art. 10, Para. 2-5, which shall enter into force on September 15th, 2026.
Transitional and concluding provisions  
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.TO THE ACT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE PENAL CODE  
(PROM. - SG 53/22)
§ 14. Proceedings pending before the entry into force of this act under Art. 155b, Para. 1 , Art. 155
c, Art. 159, Para. 3 , Art. 172a, Para. 1 and 2 , Art. 172b, Para. 1 , Art. 319a, Para. 1, 2, 3 and 4 , Art. 319
b, Para. 1, 2, 3 and 4 , Art. 319c, Para. 1 and 2 , Art. 319d, Para. 1, 2 and 3 , Art. 319e, Para. 1, 2 and 3  a
nd Art. 319f  shall be completed according to the previous order.
 
Relevant Acts from the European Legislation  
DIRECTIVE 2011/36/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 5 
April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and replacin
g Council Framework Decision 2002/629/Justice and Home Affairs - JHA
DIRECTIVE 2009/123/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 2
1 October 2009 amending Directive 2005/35/EC on ship source pollution and imposing penalties for infring
ements - (text with EEA relevance)
DIRECTIVE 2009/52/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 
June 2009 on providing minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally residi
ng third-country nationals
DIRECTIVE 2008/99/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 19 
November 2008 on the protection of the environment through criminal law - (text with EEA relevance)
FRAMEWORK DECISION 2008/919/JHA OF THE COUNCIL of 28 November 2008 on amendin
g Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA on combating terrorism
FRAMEWORK DECISION 2008/913/JHA OF THE COUNCIL of 28 November 2008 on combati
ng certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law
FRAMEWORK DECISION 2008/675/JHA OF THE COUNCIL of 24 July 2008 on taking into acc
ount convictions enacted in the Member - States of the European Union in the course of new criminal procee
dings
Източник: Правно-информационни системи "Сиела" 12.07.2022 г.