Bureau for Operational Coordination holds fourth session

At its fourth session, in addition to the issues presented to the public yesterday, the Bureau for Operational Coordination addressed a range of other matters within its jurisdiction. In this regard, the Bureau commended the activities of the Ministry of the Interior as the lead entity whose efforts resulted in a positive opinion from the European Commission on the Draft Strategy for Improving Traffic Safety for the period 2024-2030. This sets the stage for its consideration and adoption by the Government. The Bureau also emphasised the need to intensify activities to create all necessary conditions for the procurement of stationary radars. The Bureau affirms the intensification of activities and measures by the Police Directorate aimed at enhancing traffic safety, including the deployment of police helicopters to monitor key roads during the tourist season, increased police patrol presence on all main and regional roads, and the increase of unmarked police vehicles (so-called interceptors) on the most risky routes.

The Bureau tasked the intelligence and security sector authorities with intensifying efforts to identify, prosecute, and curb illegal logging, particularly in light of frequent attacks on forest rangers from the Forest and Hunting Management Administration.

During the session, the Bureau also reviewed and adopted the first six-month report on its work. It was noted with satisfaction that progressive results have been achieved in all areas identified as national priorities in the fight against serious and organised crime. This is evidenced by the over 95% clearance rate of all criminal offenses (2,174 offenses), an 86% clearance rate of offenses committed by unknown perpetrators (579 offenses), the filing of 1,966 criminal charges against 2,022 individuals and 22 legal entities, the prosecution of 395 individuals connected to organised crime groups and persons of interest, the solving of 36 crimes against life and body, the seizure of 700 kilograms of narcotics, the filing of over 250 criminal charges related to economic crimes, 46 criminal charges concerning 67 corruption-related offenses, and criminal charges against 21 individuals and legal entities for 23 smuggling-related offenses. Additionally, several individuals have been prosecuted for human trafficking, smuggling, money laundering, and other crimes. Seven individuals wanted on international warrants have been apprehended, 487 firearms seized, and numerous officials and employees from the intelligence and security sector and other public sectors have been prosecuted. Enhanced efforts by the Internal Control Department of Police Work and the Security Clearance Verification Commission have identified misconduct, irregularities, and illegalities in the work of 42 police officers, and security clearances for 36 officers were found to be problematic during this six-month period.

The Bureau also reviewed regular reports from interdepartmental working teams and other issues within its jurisdiction.