Bosnia and Herzegovina’s security forces have intensified their campaign against migrant-smuggling operations after a coordinated set of raids in the northwestern city of Bihać uncovered dozens of migrants and led to the arrest of six individuals suspected of running a cross-border trafficking network. The operation, carried out by the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) on November 25, underscores rising concerns that the Western Balkan route remains one of the most active and profitable corridors for organized criminal groups moving people toward the European Union.

Acting on the orders of the State Court and under the supervision of the state prosecutor’s office, SIPA officers searched multiple residential properties, outbuildings and vehicles believed to be used by the network. Authorities seized material evidence linking the suspects to illegal transportation, harboring of migrants, and participation in an organized criminal group. According to SIPA, the raids revealed 50 migrants of various nationalities who were being held in preparation for illicit transport across Bosnia’s border into neighboring Croatia-an EU member state.

The operation resulted in the detention of six individuals: four Pakistani nationals and two Bosnian citizens. The suspects were taken into custody, questioned, and subsequently transferred to the State Prosecutor’s Office to face charges related to human smuggling, criminal conspiracy and facilitating unlawful movement of migrants.

The four Pakistani nationals are expected to be processed by Bosnia’s Foreigners’ Affairs Service within the legally allowed timeframe. Depending on findings during the investigation, they may face deportation, administrative........

© Blitz