A 21-year-old Romanian citizen was detained along with six Somalis he was transporting, who had illegally crossed the Polish-Belarusian border. Their capture was preceded by a police and Border Guard (SG) chase. The foreigners did not give up until the end and tried to escape on foot.
On the night from Sunday to Monday, Podlaskie police received a report that near the Polish-Belarusian border, a Mercedes was moving that might be carrying people staying illegally in Poland.
A patrol from Hajnówka spotted the described passenger van as it was leaving the forest. They tried to stop it, but a chase was necessary. Two Border Guard (SG) patrols also joined the operation, as well as police officers on duty along the escape route. Only a road blocked by a police car brought the Mercedes to a halt. The driver, trying to avoid the blockade, drove into a ditch and hit a protruding manhole.
Illegal migrants and the smuggler
That did not end the escape attempt of the seven men. They got out of the car and tried to flee on foot. Moments later, they were all apprehended.
It turned out that behind the wheel of the Mercedes was a 21-year-old Romanian citizen, and the vehicle carried six young men – Somali citizens who were in Poland illegally, the Podlaskie police reported.
First aid also had to be provided.
The driver and the seven passengers were handed over to Border Guard (SG) officers.
For assisting in illegal border crossing, the penalty is up to 8 years in prison.