site.btaCabinet Has Evidence Linking Russia to Illegal Migration Smuggling Gangs, Interior Minister Mitov Says in The Times Interview

The Bulgarian Government has evidence of direct links between Russia’s foreign intelligence agency and the gangs helping illegal migrants to cross Europe, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said in an interview with UK newspaper The Times, published on Monday.  

His claim comes as ministers from Europe will gather alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London in the coming week to discuss plans to stem illegal migration through the Western Balkans.

“Illegal migration inflows are an instrument for hostile regimes to destabilize the European Union and the United Kingdom,” 

He also suggested left-wing humanitarian groups were in direct contact with the smuggling gangs.

The latest English Channel crossing figures meanwhile showed a total of 369 people made the perilous journey in seven boats on Saturday, bringing the total for the year so far to 36,734, according to analysis of Home Office figures by the PA news agency.

International policing efforts are attempting to crack down on smuggling gangs who have plotted trafficking routes through the region, the article reads.