Border detention: 3 Afghans and a Ukrainian smuggler in the hands of the Border Guard

Officers from the Joint Polish-German Institute in Ludwigsdorf detained 3 Afghan citizens in Zgorzelec and carrying their 49-year-old Ukrainian. The detention took place on April 21. Foreigners attempted to enter Germany illegally without having any papers enabling them to stay in Poland.

Afghans were subjected to an administrative procedure to identify them and to issue a decision to leave the country. The detainees admitted that their mark was Germany. Poland was only a transit phase for them. In specified cases, Polish services operate in accordance with procedures concerning illegal migration – foreigners without papers are detained and their cases are considered individually.

However, the Ukrainian driver had a bigger problem. He was accused of assisting in illegally crossing the border to which he confessed. As part of his voluntary surrender, he received an 8-month suspended conviction for 2 years. In addition, the decision to leave Poland immediately was issued. The man was handed over to Ukrainian services at the border.

Illegal migration – a increasing problem on the border

This is another halt showing that the problem of illegal migration is inactive valid. Poland, as a border country of the European Union, is on the way of many illegal migration routes leading to the West, mainly to Germany and France. Migrants, frequently from conflict-affected countries specified as Afghanistan, usage the services of smugglers who, as in this case, offer transport across the border for a fee.

Polish border services regularly study akin incidents. In 2024, the number of attempts to illegally cross the western border remained high. Increased patrols, cooperation with German services and intelligence activities aim to reduce smuggling groups.

The authorities stress that all case of illegal migration poses risks, both for migrants who are exposed to exploitation, dangerous travel conditions and sometimes even death, and for the safety of border countries. global cooperation and firm action by the services are crucial in the fight against this phenomenon.

Legal and social implications

Deportation and prohibition of entry into the Schengen area for a certain period of time are usually a consequence for detainees. For smugglers – imprisonment and expulsion. Polish law does not leave many gaps here – assisting in illegal crossing the border is simply a crime.

Events like this on April 21st are a signal that despite sealing borders, human smuggling remains a profitable activity. Therefore, preventive action, education of migrants on the risks of illegal migration are crucial.