The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings regarding an organized criminal group for the trafficking of migrants, the prosecutor’s office has announced. Evidence was collected during the investigation regarding 16 Romanian citizens who crossed the territory of Bulgaria five times to transport a total of 142 foreigners illegally.

A joint investigation team was set up between the Bulgarian and the Romanian prosecutor’s office, with the assistance of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation Eurojust. After the court issued the relevant permission, the Bulgarian examining prosecutor sent the authorities in Romania a European Investigation Order for 13 searches in 11 towns and villages. Many documents and other evidence has been seized, including electronic information carriers.

The evidence collected on the territory of Romania is yet to be analyzed. The investigation continues.