site.btaBulgarian-British Campaign to Help Prevent Risks Related to Illegal Migration

This year's edition of the information campaign aimed at preventing and recognizing risks related to illegal migration was officially launched here on Monday. Mottoed "Do Your Bit", it will focus particularly on carriers and freight drivers. The campaign is organized by Border Police, the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency, and the British Embassy in Sofia.  

British Ambassador to Bulgaria Nathaniel Copsey said he is proud of the progress and expressed gratitude for the support and commitment to this important cause. He explained that "Do Your Bit" is a traditional British expression that means to take responsibility, stand up for what is right, and work together with others to protect common values.

In his words, illegal migration is a crime that causes suffering and loss of life. Criminal networks profit from the desperation of vulnerable people and put them at enormous risk, which is why the current joint efforts are so important, the Ambassador added. Governments, law enforcement agencies, businesses, and citizens all share a common responsibility. Together, they can prevent exploitation and save lives. Ambassador Copsey thanked the Interior Ministry, Border Police, the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association, the national 112 emergency hotline system, and others.

Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov,  Director of Border Police, said that although Bulgaria and the UK are on opposite ends of Europe, they face the same problem stemming from illegal migration and human trafficking. "Together, we are implementing their [the UK's] project to install billboards, distribute flyers, and other materials urging anyone who sees signs of human trafficking or illegal migration to call 112," Zlatanov added. According to him, last year’s campaign featured 110 billboards, while this year there will be 258. He also noted that since the start of last year’s campaign, the number of reports to 112 regarding illegal migrants has increased.

It is not uncommon for police to detain vehicles carrying undocumented migrants in serious health condition, Chief Commissioner Zlatanov added.  

According to him, illegal migration does not always occur with the driver’s knowledge; there have been reports from truck drivers who, upon stopping to rest, discover that there are illegal migrants inside the vehicle or on its roof. A few days ago, citizens reported a man standing on the road trying to stop passing cars; it later turned out that he was part of a group of migrants, Zlatanov said in response to a question about the signs of illegal migration.

Veselin Georgiev, head of the Analysis and Assessment of Emergency Calls department at the Interior Ministry's National 112 System Directorate, said that since the beginning of this year, there have been 381 reports made to the 112 emergency number, but not every report turns out to be a case of illegal migration. There are also reports of traffic accidents, but upon the arrival of emergency services, it turns out that there is a migrant-related issue. During last year’s campaign, there were 341 reports of illegal migration, he added.  

Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association head Svetoslav Belchev said that human trafficking is a tragedy that the BPGA, together with Border Police and the British Embassy, are trying to prevent. "We are participating by distributing brochures, stickers, and information at our facilities," he specified. According to him, people living in border areas will be advised on what to do if they suspect they are witnessing illegal migration. Information materials will also be distributed at gas stations located in border regions. "If you suspect human trafficking, you should call 112 or Border Police," Benchev added.