Bulgaria's interior minister has claimed that Russian spies are directly linked to people-smuggling gangs trafficking asylum seekers into Europe. Daniel Mitov, who serves as Bulgaria's equivalent of the Home Secretary, said his government possesses evidence of ties between Russia's foreign intelligence agency and criminal networks helping illegal migrants enter the continent.
“Illegal migration inflows are an instrument for hostile regimes to destabilise the European Union and the United Kingdom,” Mitov told the Times. He warned that these networks aim to destabilise welfare systems and create security issues by smuggling radicalised individuals. His remarks come as European ministers prepare to meet Sir Keir Starmer in London to discuss stemming illegal migration through the Western Balkans.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed the warning, stating that illegal migration is driven not only by organised crime but also by hostile state actors seeking to destabilise Europe. She pledged continued support for Bulgaria and other NATO allies in securing Europe’s external frontiers, including providing specialist equipment, intelligence, and training.
Meanwhile, the UK government returned 16 more people to France this week under the “one in, one out” deal, bringing the total deported to 42, while arrivals from France stand at 23. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the latest deportation as the largest return flight of the agreement, warning that those entering illegally by small boat could be sent back. Crossings continue, with this year’s total now above 36,000.
