A group of 20 migrants detained in Pernik

A group of 20 migrants were detained in Pernik before noon on May 4, said the regional spokesman of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, Ventsislav Aleksov. They were found in a van on the territory of the “Iztok” district near “Daskalovo” road junction.

Aleksov added that the migrants were most likely of Afghan origin and the aim was to be smuggled across Bulgaria and get them out of the country.

Procedural and investigative actions have been undertaken to establish the age of the detainees. They are being checked for identity documents and information is being gathered related to their transportation.

The driver who transported the migrants is from Ruse, but his age is currently unclear. When he was caught, he abandoned the van with the migrants and fled in the direction of the railway line. After a short pursuit, the man was detained and taken for questioning with a detention order for up to 24 hours, Aleksov added.