site.btaUPDATED Four Detained for Human Trafficking in Sofia

Four persons, who are involved in human trafficking, have been detained in Sofia, the Sofia police told BTA. One of the detainees is the ring leader, while the other three are accomplices.

Sixteen foreign nationals have also been detained during the police operation, carried out in Sofia's Geo Milev Park.

The police operation was carried out in Sofia on Monday after the authorities were tipped off. The foreign nationals are aged 17 to 30 and have identified themselves as being from Afghanistan, the Sofia police reported.

The police officers have also found the house, where the foreigners were accommodated. A 20 year-old male tried to flee the premises, but was caught by police. Two more Bulgarian citizens have been arrested - 25 and 28 years old.

A foreign national was arrested later on, who was allegedly in charge of organizing the human trafficking from Turkiye to Sofia and Serbia. The man is 21 years old and has been convicted of the same crimes in the past.

Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated and work on the case continues.