Migrant smuggling ring broken up: 19 detained, four charged
The suspected gang allegedly brought migrants into Bulgaria in hidden truck compartments since March, housed them in Sofia and moved them on to Western Europe.
Symbolic image · Photo: Matti Blume / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Bulgaria's Border Police have broken up a suspected migrant smuggling ring. In an operation on Oct. 27 supervised by the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office, 19 people were detained, BTA reported. Investigators searched five addresses and two vehicles and questioned witnesses.
The group is believed to have operated since March 2026. According to investigators, it smuggled migrants into Bulgaria in specially built compartments in trucks, housed them in apartments in Sofia and then moved them on to Western European countries, again hidden in cars and trucks.
Four suspects were charged and placed in custody for up to 72 hours. An alleged organiser believed to be abroad was charged in absentia, BTA reported. The investigation is ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent.