site.btaOver 100 Billboards across Bulgaria to Warn of Deadly Risks of Migrant Smuggling in Trucks

More than 100 multilingual billboards warning of the dangers of concealing illegal migrants in cargo vehicles will be placed across Bulgaria, said head of the Border Police General Directorate, Anton Zlatanov. He was speaking Thursday during the presentation of one of the billboards on the Ring Road in Sofia. 

The billboards are part of a joint campaign launched by the Ministry of Interior, the British Embassy in Sofia, and the UK’s National Crime Agency. The initiative aims to raise awareness among drivers and the general public in order to prevent incidents involving migrants hidden in heavy goods vehicles.

"A few days ago, we stopped a truck with over 48 hidden migrants in a very poor condition, dehydrated due to the high temperatures. We managed to save them with the help of emergency medical services in Burgas," Zlatanov said. He added that cases of migrants concealed in trucks occur almost daily, and the consequences can be severe, often involving serious health complications or fatalities.

Zlatanov urged citizens to remain alert for suspicious behavior. “For example, if a driver stops at a petrol station and buys a large quantity of food, or frequently checks their cargo area or parks in suspicious locations,” he explained. Zlatanov also noted that migrants sometimes secretly board and hide in trucks without the driver’s knowledge.

Deputy Interior Minister Toni Todorov said transporting illegal migrants in cargo trucks is one of the most dangerous forms of human smuggling. “Such acts are illegal and pose a grave risk to the lives of the migrants. Combating illegal migration remains a key challenge and a top priority for the Ministry,” he added.

UK Ambassador to Bulgaria Nathaniel Copsey stressed that this campaign is only one step, but visibility matters. According to him, human trafficking is a crime that destroys and takes lives. “Today, this message will reach people across Bulgaria,” the Ambassador added.

UK Ambassador to Bulgaria Nathaniel Copsey emphasized that human trafficking is a crime that destroys and takes lives. “Today, this message will reach people across Bulgaria,” the Ambassador added.