Daniel Mitov, Bulgaria’s equivalent of the home secretary, told the Times his government had evidence of direct links between Russia’s foreign intelligence agency and the gangs helping illegal migrants to cross Europe. His claim comes as ministers from Europe will gather alongside Sir Keir Starmer in London in the coming week to discuss plans to stem illegal migration through the Western Balkans. “Illegal migration inflows are an instrument for hostile regimes to destabilise the European Union and the United Kingdom,” Mr Mitov told the Times. 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.
