The Sisak-Moslavina Police Directorate arrested four Croatian nationals suspected of migrant smuggling in three separate incidents in the area of Topuško. The suspects, according to the police, were transporting foreign nationals who had crossed the Croatian border illegally, for a pre-arranged sum of money.
The first operation took place on Sunday, 19 July, in the afternoon, with the remaining two taking place the following night. The investigation established that the suspects acted out of greed.
The men arrested were aged 25, 29, 36 and 45; the 45-year-old was driving one of the vehicles, while the 29-year-old was the passenger.
The suspects are charged with the offence of illegal entry and stay of foreign nationals in Croatia, as stipulated in Article 326 of the Criminal Code. This is the same offence that covers illegal stay in other EU member states or states party to the Schengen Agreement.
Criminal charges were filed against all four with the relevant public prosecutor's office, and the 36-year-old was remanded in custody by the investigating judge.
