Zagreb police dismantle smuggling network: Croatian arrested, Serbian fugitive still at large
Officers stopped organised transport of illegal migrants in inhumane conditions. One suspect was apprehended, whilst his older associate from a neighbouring country remains at large.
Zagreb police dismantle smuggling network: Croatian arrested, Serbian fugitive still at large
Police officers in Zagreb uncovered an organised group engaged in transporting illegal migrants. In the operation, a 42-year-old from Croatia was apprehended, whilst his 55-year-old colleague, originally from Serbia, managed to escape and is currently a fugitive.
According to information from the Zagreb Police Directorate, the pair arranged transport for foreign nationals who had crossed the border without valid permits. The younger of those arrested allegedly coordinated the entire operation for financial gain. He arranged for the older associate to transport a larger number of people, whilst he drove a vehicle ahead of the van to warn of potential police checkpoints.
Foreign nationals were transported in the cargo section of a vehicle with Sisak number plates. Passengers were placed in the luggage compartment without any ventilation, without seats and without safety belts. Investigators believe the suspects knew what danger such transport conditions posed to people's lives and health.
Police teams specialised in combating illegal migration intercepted the van on Brezovačka Road in Novo Zagreb, near the railway line. Foreign nationals were found inside the vehicle at that location.
Following the criminal investigation, the 42-year-old suspect was handed over to the custody supervisor of Zagreb police along with a criminal report. The search continues for the fugitive from Serbia. The discovered migrants were treated in accordance with legislation governing international protection and the status of foreigners.
Source: Index.hr
Source: Index.hr