LONG QUEUE OF LORRIES AT KAPITAN ANDREEVO BORDER CROSSING AFTER ARRESTS OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS

A long queue of lorries stretching 12 km formed at Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint at Bulgarian-Turkish border on 14th of December. The border checkpoint handled about 700 lorries, in both directions, during the night.

The border crossing was closed for entry into Bulgaria for several hours on Sunday, 13th of December, as a result of a joint operation between Bulgaria’s Public Prosecutor’s Office, the State Agency for National Security and Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime.

Thirty three customs officers were arrested in connection with alleged corruption on 13th of December.

The detained allegedly took bribes between 5 and 250 euros to let vehicles pass without going through customs examination. Cars, offices and homes of customs officers were searched during the operation. A total of 100 000 BGN were seized.

After analysis of the evidence, it will become clear whether charges will be brought against the customs officers.