In recognition of the significant efforts and relentless work in combating transborder organized crime in Southeast Europe, several successful joint investigations —related to the illegal transportation of drug precursors, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, fraud, extortion, and money laundering— were awarded by SELEC.
Joint investigation ‘Transit’ (on the first place) was conducted by the Albanian and Turkish Customs Enforcement Administrations in relation to a transport of medicines containing pseudoephedrine, a drug precursor.
In December 2024, at Sabiha Gokçen Airport, a large quantity of medicines was detected by Turkish Customs Enforcement units hidden into luggage of 5 passengers coming from Jordan with Albania as their final destination.
The intelligence regarding those individuals was shared by Directorate General of Customs Enforcement of Türkiye with law enforcement authorities of Albania via Albanian and Turkish Customs Liaison Officers posted at SELEC.
As a result of the detailed controls conducted by the Albanian law enforcement units at Tirana (Rinas) Airport 1,057,840 tablets (417.1 kg) containing pseudoephedrine were seized in 14 luggage belonging to the aforementioned passengers.
Additionally, 300,000 Euro in cash was found in one of the individuals’ backpacks. The drugs, with an approximate value of 1 million Euro, along with the aforementioned cash, were confiscated. The 5 individuals were subsequently taken into custody.
In the framework of joint investigation ‘Con Air’ (first place), during 2019-2024, the Bulgarian and Turkish law enforcement authorities exchanged information through SELEC’s information channel regarding an organized crime group (OCG) involved in drug trafficking (cannabis) from Republic of Bulgaria to Republic of Türkiye.
The cannabis was trafficked using small aircraft (planes and helicopters), the narcotics being dropped in border regions of Republic of Türkiye, packaged in bags.
As a result of the law enforcement actions, Turkish authorities have seized over 221 kg of cannabis and arrested 4 Turkish citizens.
Following extensive operational work and intensive exchange of intelligence, a police operation was conducted in Republic of Bulgaria in 2024. During the operation, 5 individuals involved in the criminal activities were arrested, including one of the aircraft pilots. In addition to the arrests, one helicopter used in the illegal activities was seized.
Joint investigation ‘Not so easy’, on the second place, concerns an investigation of an OCG operating on the territory of Republic of Bulgaria since the beginning of 2023. The group was suspected of facilitating the illegal stay of migrants within the country and of organizing the transportation of illegal migrants from the border areas with Republic of Türkiye, through Republic of Bulgaria, to the border areas with Republic of Serbia, en route to European Union member states.
The criminal activity of the OCG, composed of Syrian and Bulgarian nationals, took place from March 2023 to December 2024. The OCG transported mainly Syrian nationals in vehicles carrying groups of 5 to 10 people. So-called scout vehicles were used to avoid law enforcement authorities. Initial findings indicate that the main organizers were Syrian nationals residing legally in Bulgaria, assisted by Bulgarian citizens based in Sofia.
The OCG is linked to 15 documented incidents involving over 700 illegal migrants apprehended in Bulgaria. Approximately 1,5 million Euro was obtained from these illegal activities, with the hawala system being used to transfer the money. Searches took place on the territory of Bulgaria in 11 locations, 8 individuals being detained, among whom was a fugitive sought by the Bulgarian law enforcement authorities through a Red Notice issued via Interpol.
The leader of the OCG, who was on the run, was apprehended and taken into custody in Türkiye thanks to close cooperation between the Bulgarian and Turkish police authorities.
SELEC Liaison Officers swiftly exchanged information on this case by using SELEC’s channel, and organizing operational meetings between the officers involved in the case.
Joint investigation ‘Money Collectors’, on fraud, extortion and money laundering, conducted by the Bulgarian and Turkish Police authorities, was on the third place of the SELEC Annual Awards.
As part of the operation, 9 individuals were arrested in Republic of Türkiye, some of them being directly involved in the crimes under investigation in Republic of Bulgaria. The detainees were placed under pre-trial detention, subject to further judicial review in Republic of Türkiye.
In Republic of Bulgaria, 3 individuals involved in the criminal scheme were arrested. Procedural and investigative actions were carried out, including searches and seizures at 7 addresses and 2 vehicles.
As a result of these actions, Bulgarian Police authorities seized a significant amount of evidence, including mobile phones, SIM cards, bank cards, electronic devices, and various documents. Additionally, financial records, an unregistered weapon, property deeds, and a substantial amount of money in different currencies were confiscated. A passenger vehicle was also seized as part of the investigation.