30/01/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Friday, 30 January, Europol announced that a major migrant smuggling network in Bulgaria had been dismantled, with 16 suspects arrested during a major operation conducted two days earlier. Coordinated by Europol through the regional task force and led by the Bulgarian General Directorate Combating Organised Crime with the support of the Greek police, this raid targeted a group that had been active on the Balkan route since April 2024. The smugglers facilitated the illegal entry of migrants, mainly Afghans and Syrians, into Western Europe. Six searches enabled telephones, forged documents, cash, and vehicles used for transport to be seized. Seven suspects were charged with membership in a criminal organisation, and five were remanded in custody. (JM)