Extortion schemes targeting Sofia residents seeking moving and renovation services have prompted dozens of police complaints, according to investigative reporting by NEW. Victims report that initial phone quotes are routinely replaced by bills inflated by thousands of euros upon the completion of work, accompanied by direct threats and intimidation.
The investigation reveals that the operations involve overlapping networks utilizing various websites and corporate entities. Affected clients have identified Kiril Mihaylov, owner of “Hamali Hiks” EOOD, and Tihomir Kochov, former owner of “Tisho Stroy” EOOD, as organizers behind the moving crews. According to findings, Mihaylov resides in social housing in Sofia’s Fakulteta district, while Kochov presents himself as a clergyman serving as a presbyter in a church near the Vietnamese hostels, even utilizing the church’s telephone to accept moving orders.
Workers corner victims to demand higher payments
Victims detailing the scheme describe feeling trapped and cornered inside their properties while facing aggressive demands for vastly increased payments. One Sofia resident recounted hiring “Tisho Stroy” EOOD last year for the removal of screed and aluminum frames after receiving a telephone quote of 250 BGN from Tihomir Kochov. Upon completion, the final bill surged 16-fold to 4,020 BGN. When the client refused, he stated that he was surrounded by workers and told by Kochov that he must pay or face a lawsuit. The funds were ultimately transferred via bank to Trayan Kochov, identified as Tihomir’s son, whom victims allege commanded crews by phone and set the demanded prices.
Another victim, Rumen Terziyskiy, described agreeing to a rate of 130 euros per cubic meter for garbage removal, only to have workers claim 10 cubic meters—totaling 1,300 euros—after 15 minutes of work. In another instance involving floor tile demolition, Terziyskiy was told after ten minutes of work that the accumulated bags warranted a charge of about 6,000 BGN. Upon refusing to pay, he reported being surrounded and subjected to unpleasant psychological pressure and threats of trouble.
Responses from Accused Organizers and Authorities
Both Kiril Mikhailov and Tihomir Kochov have denied the accusations. reported by NOVA. Despite multiple police reports and complaints filed with the prosecutor’s office, legal avenues have faced hurdles; in at least one documented case, the prosecutor’s office refused to initiate pre-trial proceedings.
Following the initial broadcast of the investigative report, Presbyter Kochov issued a public statement directed at the journalistic team, stating:
Know that you are dealing with the Lord. I entrust you into the hands of the Lord, journalists. And how do you sleep as a reporter? Do you know that one day you are obliged to leave this body. You will burn in hell.
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