I've been considering the same thing against a guy who owes me money and who, despite successful action in court and a judgement being granted in my favour, simply refuses to pay. I'm just not sure what the ramifications are, particularly legally. It doesn't help you, but I'll be interested to see what you end up doing.

Is there a site somewhere that is set up to "out" people like this? Surely there is?

IAAL, IANYL.

Generally I'd counsel against this type of thing, because it can easily end up being defamatory. Make sure that you don't stray across the border from straight-forward reportage into libel.

Stick to the facts:

- this is my experience of [name]
- this is what he charged.
- this is what he did.
- this is what he did not do.
- this is what he should have done.
- as a consequence [X] has happened to me.
- on [date] I obtained judgment for [$x]
- as yet he has not paid.

Avoid calling him a liar, cheat, thief, etc. Instead say "He told me [blah], which I later discovered was incorrect." or "He quoted me $X but the bill came to $Y and was not itemised, nor did he inform me of, nor did we agree, any increase in the cost of the work in advance."

If you keep it as factual as possible, you reduce the risk of being accused of defamation.

essexjen: (I know YANML) In a general or theoretical scenario, would something very straight up such as "I had a negative experience working with X, and would not recommend him" get past your filter? It is essentially a rebuttal of the first recommendation in the same thread, where someone asks for a referral, and then someone says "I use X and recommend him".

Is this the new Meatbomb, all cautious about decorum? What are you on?

i think it's about how you frame and present the information.
You found out about him from the internet or on the internet?
You want to do this only on the internet?
Got any pictures? Have you verified that he is fully licensed and validated and reported him to whatever applicable agency?

Keep in mind that you may be completely correct and he may still turn into a venal crazy person and make your life a living hell. So, I still think it's a good idea to state the facts and see if you can't make sure other people do not fall prey to the same shenanigans, but be aware that bad people are often bad in many directions at once. We have had people like this at MeFi and often we have to suck up the "we know we are right" part of the dispute in order to get the "I need this person to GO AWAY" part further along. It's frustrating and I'm sorry this is happening to you.

Check and see what the laws are in Bulgaria pertaining to defamation and libel.

Ask around to see how those laws are actually executed in the courtroom, as well.

The law might look fair and even-handed on paper but the in-court reality might be that the judge might view you as a privileged foreigner from the West trying to smear a local boy made good.

And countries that don't have robust traditions of free speech might have entirely different definitions of defamation than the ones you and I grew up with.

IA not AL, IA not YL.

Meatbomb, [IANAL]
I'm not familiar with the Bulgarian justice system, but I'll mention what one can do in Canada, maybe you can see what fits or is available to you. Does this guy have a lawyers license to practice law or is he an 'expert' on immigration/visa working as an advisor? Was he referred to you by anybody? Like purchasing or choosing anything, one really needs to do some research prior to purchasing or hiring, whether it be a lawyer or contractor. [I know, the horses have left the stable, but in the future...]

1] Write a letter to the licensing body for lawyers asking them to disbar said lawyer for reasons stated [your case]. What action of redress [if any] you can take and if they will take it on on your behalf.

2] Placing an ad in a paper asking any clients of said lawyer, what their experiences were with this lawyer [not what a fuck they are./]. It's better to get a group together and proceed with a class action lawsuit against this 'lawyer'. Together, you need to find a lawyer who specialises in these kinds of cases. Ask for references from his previous cases. What were the issues in these previous cases. How was it settled. What are the chances of winning a settlement [$$$]. Will they do the work pro bono till a settlement is reached? You'd need to find one who wants to make a name for themselves in these issues [that pro bono thing]. Otherwise, you all may need to dig out your collective wallets to pay such lawyer until you win a settlement.

3] Notifying your member of parliament of your situation if nothing is being done re: 1 & 2.

Sorry to hear about your mess. Paying for garbage advice from someone claiming their expertise is a piss off.

dg
You need to address timely payment with the judge. I've won these kind of cases, but stipulated a lien on the accused's bank account immediately [I froze his bank account till he paid up]. We have the benefit of a free lawyers referral service [1/2 hr with a lawyer to discuss the options available in any particular case] in Ontario, who gave me the heads up regarding 'winning' a verdict. A win is good, now what...show me the money.
I'm thinking you may need to go back to court with the same case, stating you have yet to be paid. Put a lien on his property or bank accounts once in court. I'm referring to small claims court [money owed under $5k], where I acted as my own defense [no lawyer representing me]. Good luck, keep pressing the pedal to the metal on this./

In my mind, if you have notified any and all applicable agencies and institutions, the purpose would be to inform his target victims audience.
Without all specifics, it is hard to advise the best course of action, but depending how you encountered this character, you would want to focus your attentions toward that audience.

Your personal story is yours, and without mentioning him by name, you can tell your story (with a link to the facts for those who want the details if it isn't going to have any glaringly obvious contrary effects or consequences to you.)

Will contacting embassies or foreigner focused advice sites and communities help?
Using your experience as a base for a page for how to avoid these types of characters, who to notify, and anything else you have learned from this will at least make it worth having endured it for the knowledge gained and example to cite for anyone else in a like experience.

How you showcase and present it matters as to how it is perceived and by who.

Bad experiences are worth surviving if you learn from them, and the shit can help nourish a plant to grow and maybe shelter and nourish others.

Hey, at least you're not subject to the current passport application problems in the US, right?