Armed Swiss detained at Kapitan Andreevo border crossing, accused of terrorism

A Swiss citizen was detained at Kapitan Andreevo border crossing in an attempt to cross to Turkey, with the intention of continuing to Syria. The man was detained on 11^th of September, the press office of the specialized prosecutor's office said on 13^th of September.

He was driving a four wheel drive with Swiss registration, in which the Bulgarian border authorities found three rifles, Zig Sauer gun, about 400 cartridges, 24 knives and other cold weapons. In his personal belongings, the police found a map with marinkings of his route, with the ultimate goal being Idlib, Syria.

The man and the car had been circulated as wanted by the Swiss authorities in the Schengen Information System, indicating that the person was armed. Information was also provided that his father had signaled to the police that his son had disappeared with the car and that firearms and ammunition were missing from their home.

On 12^th of September 2018, the Swiss citizen was charged by the Specialised Prosecutor’s Office with terrorism and smuggling of arms across the state border, and by a decree of the supervising prosecutor he was detained for 72 hours.

According to his initial explanations, the detainee wanted to help civilians in Syria.

On September 14, 2018, a request for remand will be filed with the Specialised Criminal Court.

A psychiatric assessment has been assigned to the accused.