Russian intelligence services have direct links to people-smuggling gangs trafficking migrants into Europe, according to new reports. Daniel Mitov, Bulgaria's equivalent of the home secretary, told The Times his government had evidence connecting Russia's foreign intelligence agency to the criminal networks.
The Bulgarian minister claimed illegal migration flows serve as "an instrument for hostile regimes to destabilise the European Union and the United Kingdom". He also suggested left-wing humanitarian groups were in direct contact with the smuggling gangs.
Ministerial summit planned
The allegations emerge as European ministers prepare to gather alongside Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) in London next week to discuss stemming illegal migration through the Western Balkans. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met her western Balkans counterparts in London on Wednesday ahead of the Prime Minister's summit.
International policing efforts are attempting to crack down on smuggling gangs who have plotted trafficking routes through the region.
Latest deportation flights
Britain returned 16 more people to France this week, bringing the total deported under the bilateral deal to 42. Mahmood described the latest efforts as the "largest return flight under our historic deal with the French".
She added: "And it sends a warning to those considering entering this country illegally: if you come here by small boat, you can be sent back." More flights are expected in the coming days and weeks.
Channel crossing figures
Meanwhile, 369 people made the perilous Channel crossing in seven boats on Saturday, bringing this year's total to 36,734. The figure stands just 82 short of 2024's full-year total of 36,816.
Under the "one-in, one-out" treaty struck by Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, 23 migrants have now arrived from France. The returns deal aims to create a disincentive for Channel crossings.
Sources used: "The Times", "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
