The Sisak-Moslavina Police Department has arrested four Croatian nationals suspected of smuggling migrants in three separate incidents in the Topusko area. According to the police, the suspects transported foreign nationals who had illegally crossed the Croatian border for a pre-arranged monetary sum.
The first operation took place on Sunday, 19 July, in the afternoon, with the remaining two occurring the following night. Criminal investigation established that the suspects acted out of greed.
The arrested men are 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 police suspect them of the criminal 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 complaints have been filed against all four with the competent state attorney’s office, and the 36-year-old has been handed over to the investigative detention facility.
