As an appreciation for the excellent results obtained through the joint investigations supported by SELEC, the law enforcement authorities of SELEC Member States were awarded for the operations conducted during the first semester of 2016, as follows:
First prize
OPERATION BALKAN, a case in the field of drug trafficking involving the competent authorities from Republic of Albania, Republic of Bulgaria, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Republic of Serbia and Republic of Turkey, which led to the arrest of 28 persons including the organizer, arrest warrants issued for 13 persons and seizure of 26.684 kg heroin, 1.8 kg cocaine and 183.62 kg marijuana, 38,315 Euro, 1.5 million Leke, 4 weapons, 7 vehicles and 68 mobile phones.
OPERATION MORNING STAR, a case in the field of drug trafficking involving the competent authorities from Republic of Bulgaria and Republic of Turkey. Operation Morning Star succeeded with 3 persons arrested and seizure of 62 kg heroin.
Second prize
OPERATION RIVA, a case in the field of migrants smuggling involving the competent authorities from Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Turkey, which led to the arrest of 30 suspects (including the leaders), 197 migrants rescued and 1,100 passports belonging to different European countries, printers, scanners and various materials for preparing forged documents were seized.
OPERATION MONEY MULLES involving the competent authorities from Republic of Moldova and Romania, which led to the prosecution of 47 suspects and seizure of computer systems, data storage devices, bank documents and false Romanian ID documents.
Third prize
OPERATION TRUCKS/CANNABIS, a case in the field of drug trafficking carried out via SELEC and involving the competent authorities from Republic of Bulgaria and Greece. The operation succeeded with 16 persons arrested and seizure of 1,379 kg marijuana.
OPERATION RED COAST, a case in the field of credit card fraud involving the competent authorities from Romania and Republic of Bulgaria. 10 persons were arrested and 32 electronic skimming devices, 4 laptops, 12 mobile phones, payment cards, money, 3 vehicles were seized.
It was also decided to offer a Special Diploma for Operation LIGHTNING, a case in the field of armed robbery, involving the competent authorities from Republic of Bulgaria and Romania. The Operation was finalized in only three days, with 2 persons arrested.
