In a coordinated operation on 8 May, Bulgarian and Turkish authorities arrested two Bulgarian nationals for their alleged involvement in an organised migrant trafficking network operating along the so-called 'Balkan route'. This route is used by migrants to travel from Turkey through the Balkans towards Western Europe.

The arrests were announced by Angel Papalezov, head of the Criminal Police Department at Bulgaria’s Ministry of the Interior, during a press briefing. According to officials, the two individuals were responsible for organising the transfer of more than 100 vehicles from Bulgaria to Turkey. These vehicles were reportedly used to facilitate migrant trafficking across the region.

Legal proceedings are currently underway in Turkey, led by the Prosecutor’s Office in Edirne. The suspects have confessed to their involvement in illegal activities on Turkish soil. This joint operation highlights the ongoing efforts of both countries to dismantle the transnational smuggling networks operating in the region.