{"id":2461,"date":"2026-02-03T11:00:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T09:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tomovi.org\/?p=2461"},"modified":"2026-04-18T14:06:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T11:06:43","slug":"%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%bd%d1%8f%d1%82%d0%b8%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%be-%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%bc%d0%bf%d1%8e%d1%82%d1%8a%d1%80%d0%bd%d0%be-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%82%d1%8a%d0%bf%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tomovi.org\/en\/%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%bd%d1%8f%d1%82%d0%b8%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%be-%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%bc%d0%bf%d1%8e%d1%82%d1%8a%d1%80%d0%bd%d0%be-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%82%d1%8a%d0%bf%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8\/","title":{"rendered":"The Concept of Computer Crime in Bulgarian Criminal Law"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

1. Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The development of information and communication technologies has led to the emergence of new social relations that require adequate criminal-law protection. In this context, the concept of computer crime has been formed \u2014 a relatively new category within the criminal law system, reflecting the transformation of traditional criminal conduct into the digital environment.<\/p>\n

2. Definition of Computer Crime According to Certain Doctrinal Approaches<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A computer crime should not be defined solely by the use of a computer or an information system. Decisive importance lies in the nature of the protected social relations.<\/p>\n

In this sense, computer crimes may be defined as crimes in which computer data, computer systems, or automated data-processing processes constitute either the direct object or the primary means of the criminal act.<\/p>\n

It should be emphasized that not every crime committed \u201cthrough a computer\u201d qualifies as a computer crime in the criminal-law sense. For example, using a computer merely as a technical tool (e.g., for drafting a threatening letter) does not automatically lead to classification as a computer crime.<\/p>\n

3. Main Characteristics of Computer Crime<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Several essential characteristics can be identified:<\/p>\n

3.1. Specific Object of the Crime<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The protected objects include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    computer data;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    computer systems;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    information processes;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    the security and integrity of automated information processing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    This distinguishes computer crimes from traditional crimes against property or the person.<\/p>\n

    3.2. Special Subject Matter of the Crime<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The subject matter is often intangible \u2014 data, software, electronic information. This raises specific issues regarding evidence, harm, and criminal result.<\/p>\n

    3.3. Specific Criminal Conduct<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The criminal conduct typically consists of:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      unauthorized access;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      inputting, deleting, or altering data;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      interference with the functioning of a computer system.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Such acts are carried out in a digital environment and often leave no visible material traces.<\/p>\n

      4. Computer Crime and the Criminal Code<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      The Bulgarian Criminal Code does not contain a legal definition of the term \u201ccomputer crime.\u201d Instead, the legislator has adopted a casuistic approach by regulating specific criminal offenses (Articles 319a\u2013319e of the Criminal Code), which protect various aspects of computer security.<\/p>\n

      5. Distinction from Related Crimes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Of particular importance is the distinction between:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        computer fraud and traditional fraud;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        damage to data and damage to tangible property;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        unauthorized access and violation of the secrecy of correspondence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        The digital nature of the offense alters not only the method of commission but also the legal essence of the act itself, which justifies its independent criminal-law regulation.<\/p>\n

        6. Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        The concept of computer crime in Bulgarian criminal law should be regarded as an independent doctrinal category based on a specific object and subject of criminal-law protection, rather than solely on the use of technical means. Certain analyses in Bulgarian legal doctrine demonstrate the need for a systematic and conceptual approach to the regulation and application of norms related to computer crimes.<\/p>\n