The UK, post-Brexit, may sidestep the implications of a potential migrant crisis becoming apparent across Europe. The expansion of the European Union’s Schengen Area, which came into effect on the first of the new year, is contributing to the emergence of a novel pathway through the Balkan region. There exists a growing issue where smugglers are capitalizing on these alterations by guiding migrants via Bulgaria and into Romania.
This new development is enabling criminal groups to exploit a 400-mile stretch of land while circumventing strict border checks at the Bulgaria-Serbia frontier. After considerable effort in curtailing migration from Turkey to Bulgaria and Greece, this escalation is eliciting particular concern from law enforcement authorities.
In light of these developments, Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, pointed out that Brexit has protected Britain from yet another emerging problem. He emphasized the monumental shift in the European landscape due to the EU’s persistence towards free people movement and expressed relief over the regained control of UK borders.
Last year, it is estimated that over 22,000 migrants transited through the Western Balkan route into Europe. As desperation increases, regional smugglers are escalating their actions, adopting particularly violent means to extract maximum profits.
Numerous stories have surfaced involving an Afghan gang engaged in human trafficking. These criminals, active in the area of the Serbian border with Bosnia, have taken individuals hostage to demand ransoms. Changing circumstances have prompted smugglers to strategize their operations, rerouting their pathways towards Bosnia and away from Serbia.
Previously operating in Serbia’s capital, it is believed that the Afghan gang has now redirected its actions primarily on the territories bordering Montenegro to the south and Croatia to the north and west. The changing routes are indicative of the fast adaptation required in this illicit trade to respond to shifting geopolitical scenarios.
The induction of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Zone implies that physical border controls between Romania and Bulgaria, Bulgaria and Greece, and Romania and Hungary are no longer existent. The duo’s transition into the Schengen Area follows years of intricate negotiations, and they now enjoy unrestricted access for those who land within their territories.
However, full-entry into the Schengen area for these countries was under threat due to concerns around migration from Austria. The nation considered vetoing the move, which would have upheld controls at land border crossings. Responding to the developing situation in Europe, Austria eventually retreated from its veto threat, sanctioning Romania and Bulgaria’s inclusion into Schengen.
Following these changes, the BWK gang, operating out of Bosnia’s border regions, has gained notoriety. This criminal organization has reportedly seized control of many pathways used by migrant smugglers. Such changes in control are reflective of the dynamic and volatile nature of these illegal activities.
Alongside gaining power, the BWK gang and other smugglers have had to adapt their strategies, driven by European Union’s firmer external frontier. These changes have led to smaller customer pools for the smugglers.
As a reaction to these tighter border controls and reduced ‘customers’, smugglers are responding with heightened aggression. Acts of theft, abduction, and extortion are now being added to their repertoire of illicit activities, signifying an alarming trend towards more violent tactics.