Police Disrupted Crime Ring for People Smuggling across the Border

The Directorate for Combatting Organised Crime disrupted an organised criminal group for trafficking in persons across the border.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Specialised Prosecutor's Office. 18 members of the crime group were detained. 7 of them were charged with a crime under Article 321 of the Penal Code. Employees of the Directorate for Combatting Organised Crime and its territorial offices in Haskovo, Kardzhali and Sofia organised a specialized police operation aimed at disrupting an organised criminal group, smuggling foreigners across the border and supporting their stay in Bulgaria.

In the course of the investigation, 15 addresses and two cars have been searched on the territory of Haskovo and Godech. Multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, money and other items were seized. 18 people were detained. Seven of them - Bulgarian, Turkish and Syrian citizens - have been charged with a crime under Article 321 of the Criminal Code. Five of the suspects were remanded in custody and to two were released on bail.

The investigation is on-going.