On the 23th of November 2025 a special police operation was carried out by the Bulgarian law enforcement authorities targeting dismantling a transnational high risk organized crime group (OCG) that was facilitating illegal migration from Middle East to Europe, through Turkiye, Bulgaria and Romania.
SELEC supported the investigation code-named “Palace” by organizing operational meetings with the participation of investigative teams comprising of Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish law enforcement officers, as well as specialized prosecutors.
During the investigation it was established that the OCG consists in ten individuals that were assisting foreign nationals to reside in or transit illegally through the countries mentioned above.
Searches and seizures were made on the territory of Bulgaria in two apartments rented by Syrian nationals, the authorities revealing 25 irregular migrants from Syria, Iran and Iraq, including women and children.
Numerous evidences were seized, including mobile phones, laptops, radio stations, USB drives and approximately EUR 50,000 (in cash).
Two out of the ten suspects were charged as leaders and the rest as participants in this organized crime group operating since early 2022.
All suspects are currently detained, while the criminal proceedings are ongoing.
