site.btaThree Men Detained on Suspicion of Migrant Smuggling

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of migrant smuggling, the Border Police General Directorate said. They have been detained for up to 72 hours. A total of ten people involved in the criminal activity have been identified.

The directorate for combating illegal migration at the Border Police General Directorate received information about an illegal migration channel. According to the information, Bulgarian and foreign citizens were involved in helping migrants illegally cross into and stay in the country. The organized crime group operated under a strict hierarchical structure.

On March 4, border police officers carried out an operation near the Bulgarian-Turkish border. Under the supervision of the Yambol District Prosecution Office, several addresses and two cars were searched. Officers seized mobile phones, SIM cards from various operators, laptops, fake vehicle registration plates, numerous documents, a textile mask, a 9 mm gas pistol and 39 rounds of ammunition.

Work on the case continues.

Late last year, Border Police Director Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov said that in 2025 migrant pressure had dropped by 70%, smuggling-related crimes uncovered had risen sharply, and a record number of criminal groups involved in migrant trafficking had been dismantled.