site.btaMigrants in Strandzha Died of Exhaustion, Frostbite - Interior Minister

Three men, believed to be foreign nationals who illegally crossed the border between Bulgaria and Turkiye, who were found dead in the area served by the Border Police Department in Sredets (Southeast Bulgaria) in the last week of 2024, died of exhaustion, frostbite, and "likely due to the numerous energy drinks they consumed during their journey," said caretaker Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov on Monday to journalists in Plovdiv. He noted that the forensic medical examinations have confirmed there were no signs of violence.

The Minister stated that there have been no reports of violence by border police officers against migrants. The officers have sufficient experience and training to perform their functions according to the law, said Ilkov and added that in this particular case they responded immediately to the signals.

There were two distinct incidents. The first report about two deceased individuals was made to the emergency number 112 on December 28. A border patrol sent to the location found the bodies of two men without identification documents. A day later, on December 29, the body of a third person was discovered. His identity has also not been established. At this stage, it is assumed that the three had undertaken a trek through very rugged terrain in Strandzha.