Following the collapse of a clandestine network of criminals, Bulgaria seized enough Bitcoin to settle a fifth of its national debt.

According to ZeroHedge, the Bulgarian Anti-Crime Agency and the Law Enforcement Center of South-East Europe captured 23 Bulgarian criminals and confiscated a total of 213,519 Bitcoins – of an approximate value of $ 3.5 billion –

actually allowing them to import goods without paying the prescribed fees. With the help of some corrupt officials, the group installed viruses on the customs computers to allow remote access.

SELC stated that the group included five Bulgarian customs officers, while others had links with the former Yugoslav states.

"The organized criminal group was composed of Bulgarian nationals with links in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Romania and Serbia," said SELC

. Bitcoin and what the Bulgarian government plans to do with it. SELC confirmed that when she seized the portfolios, Bitcoin was valued at $ 2354. It is now well past the $ 16k.

"Also, found in the Bitcoin wallets of the main suspects was a total of 213,519 Bitcoins.By reference, the value of a Bitcoin is greater than $ 2354. Offenders choose the how Bitcoin invests / saves money because it is rather difficult to be tracked and followed. "

According to National Debt Clock, the national debt of Bulgaria is in the range of $ 16 billion could take a big bump of that if they use their new Bitcoin fortune.