SOFIA, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria has neutralized seven workshops for making skimming equipment and arrested an organized group of 15 suspects in abuse of electronic payment instruments, officials said here on Friday.
The operation was held on Wednesday and Thursday, and searches of 24 houses and 13 vehicles were carried out, the country's Ministry of Interior and Prosecutor's Office said in a joint statement.
According to the statement, three of the workshops were uncovered in Sofia, two in the Black Sea city of Varna, one in Veliko Turnovo in central Bulgaria, and one in Ruse at Danube River.
The law enforcement officers seized "a large amount" of skimming devices, components for ATMs, mini cameras and other items used to make skimming equipment, the statement said.
Investigation on the case continues, it added.
