Migrant Trafficking Through Bulgaria: Increase and New Risky Methods

Against the backdrop of a lively summer season and increasing tourist traffic along the Black Sea coast, attempts at illegal migrant smuggling through Bulgarian territory are showing an alarming increase. This disturbing fact was announced by the regional prosecutor of Burgas, Maria Markova, during a meeting with journalists held in the seaside city. According to Prosecutor Markova, the accumulation of tourists on our southern coast makes the perpetrators of these crimes believe that they can take advantage of the resulting chaos and pass through our country unhindered.

New, risky methods to avoid capture

In an attempt to avoid justice, smugglers are resorting to new, increasingly risky and dangerous methods. Maria Markova revealed that lately, the perpetrators have been deliberately causing road accidents. Their goal is to divert the authorities' attention to the victims, which allows the drivers and their accomplices to slip away and escape. These actions demonstrate not only indifference to human life but also their growing audacity.

This gives us a reason to be even more prepared in this regard.

She repeated this statement, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Details of a specific case: Georgian citizen detained in Lozenets

The regional prosecutor's office in Burgas is leading a pre-trial investigation related to a specific case of migrant smuggling, uncovered in Lozenets, Tsarevo municipality. The dramatic events unfolded after a minibus with a Ruse registration, carrying 24 migrants, was intercepted. After entering the populated area, the driver managed to escape but was eventually caught in the area of the "Karaagach" checkpoint.

The migrants had entered Bulgaria from Turkey with the ultimate goal of reaching Western Europe, passing through Serbia. Prosecutor Markova confirmed that the driver of the minibus was identified as a Georgian citizen who does not have permanent residency status in our country. He has been charged under Art. 282 of the Criminal Code, a crime that can lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a monetary fine.

Refusal to cooperate: The silence of the accused

Before the investigating authorities, the Georgian citizen refused to give explanations and did not sign the indictment. The only information he shared was that he had never been to Lozenets and was in Bulgaria with his girlfriend. At the moment, he is detained for up to 72 hours, and the state prosecution is set to file a request for his permanent detention.

New incident near "Karaagach"

A second incident related to illegal trafficking occurred on August 24, again in the area of the "Karaagach" checkpoint. A second group of 22 migrants, who identified themselves as citizens of Afghanistan, was detained. The driver, a man from Berkovitsa, was also detained, and evidence is currently being gathered regarding his involvement in the act. These two cases within a few days highlight the seriousness of the problem of illegal migration and the constant challenge facing Bulgarian law enforcement agencies.