Operation Tulip: SIPA Arrests Two Individuals for Renting Cars and Smuggling People

(Patria) - Police officers of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) in the area of Gradiška deprived two persons, citizens of the Republic of Turkey, of their liberty on suspicion of having committed the criminal offense under Article 189a of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, "Organizing a group or association for the commission of the criminal offense of migrant smuggling," in connection with the criminal offense under Article 189 of the same law, "People smuggling."

The suspects transported 11 smuggled persons, including one child, who were determined to be citizens of Iraq, in vehicles rented from car rental agencies. During the implementation of these activities, SIPA police officers searched the suspects, residential buildings, and vehicles they used, and on that occasion discovered and temporarily seized mobile phones, SIM cards, and certain documentation that may serve as evidence in further criminal proceedings. Also, during a search of one of the vehicles, a rubber boat with oars was discovered, which the suspects intended to use to transport the smuggled persons across the Sava River into the Republic of Croatia.

The suspects were brought to SIPA premises and are undergoing criminal investigation, after which, in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will be handed over to the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the legal deadline.