Successful international operation against migrant smuggling
In a joint operation by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) and the Serbian Service for Combating Organized Crime, a criminal group involved in the illegal smuggling of migrants across the Bulgarian-Serbian border was dismantled.
"Smuggling networks exploit people's vulnerability, generating massive profits through complex cross-border operations," noted Europol.
Case details:
- Arrests: Five people have been detained, including the group's organizer and two active-duty police officers.
- Confiscations: Three vehicles used for smuggling, firearms, ammunition, and communication equipment were seized.
- International cooperation: The operation highlights the need for coordination in accordance with the EU Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA) 2025.
The investigation is ongoing, with an analysis of the seized evidence expected to uncover the entire chain of participants in the criminal scheme.