5 irregular migrants caught in hidden compartment in floor of bus from Van in Ankara

In Ankara, 5 irregular migrants of Afghan nationality were caught in a hidden compartment in the floor of a passenger bus that had arrived from Van. The bus driver and his assistant were taken into custody.

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Bus stopped and searched at AŞTİ

Teams from the Ankara Provincial Police Department's Anti-Smuggling Crimes Branch and the Anti-Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates Branch tracked the intercity passenger bus arriving from Van to Ankara as part of an effort against migrant smuggling. During a detailed search of the bus at the Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal (AŞTİ), a specially built hidden compartment was found in the floor of the vehicle.

When the compartment beneath the passenger section was opened, 5 Afghan irregular migrants were found inside. They were handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for the necessary procedures.

Investigation into driver and assistant

Two suspects, the bus driver and his assistant, were detained in the operation. Under the investigation coordinated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, legal proceedings were initiated against the suspects on charges of migrant smuggling. They are expected to be referred to court after their procedures at the police department.