Russian intelligence services are linked to people-smuggling gangs facilitating illegal migration into Europe, according to claims from Bulgaria’s interior minister.
Daniel Mitov told The Times that his government possesses evidence of “direct links” between Russia’s foreign intelligence agency and criminal networks assisting migrants across the continent.
He said that “illegal migration inflows are an instrument for hostile regimes to destabilise the European Union and the United Kingdom”.
The allegations emerge as European ministers are set to convene in London next week, alongside Sir Keir Starmer, to address strategies for curbing irregular migration via the Western Balkans.
Mr Mitov further suggested that certain left-wing humanitarian organisations are in direct communication with these smuggling operations.
The claims came after ministers returned 16 more people to France this week, taking the number deported under the deal to 42, the Home Office said.
It is understood the number of migrants arriving from France under the “one-in, one-out” treaty struck by Sir Keir and French leader Emmanuel Macron now stands at 23.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the latest deportation efforts as the “largest return flight under our historic deal with the French”.
She added: “And it sends a warning to those considering entering this country illegally: if you come here by small boat, you can be sent back.”
More flights are expected to take place in the coming days and week.
The latest English Channel crossing figures, meanwhile, showed a total of 369 people made the perilous journey in seven boats on Saturday.
That brought the total for the year so far to 36,734, according to analysis of Home Office figures.
The total is 82 short of the total for the whole of 2024 which was 36,816.
The returns deal, signed earlier this year, is aimed at creating a disincentive for the Channel crossing.
Ms Mahmood met her counterparts from the western Balkans in London on Wednesday, ahead of the prime minister’s gathering next week.
International policing efforts are attempting to crack down on smuggling gangs who have plotted trafficking routes through the region.
