The cross-border action against illegal migration has started successfully. Joint police patrols with Hungary managed to intercept a number of refugee transports in a short time. Usually the perpetrators reached the end of the road before entering Austrian territory.
In 2022, the Poesta near Siegendorf was one of the absolute hotspots of internationally active smuggler gangs in the EU. Hardly a day went by without a hired pilot trying to take a carload of refugees through the infamous route to Burgenland. Targeted measures against illegal migration in the wake of organized crime are bearing fruit.
600 refugees picked up
The joint action of the Austrian and Hungarian police against the smuggling mafia has been extremely successful. Since the start of “Operation Fox” five months ago, 60 people smugglers have been arrested. 600 migrants were detained. “Thanks to the transnational patrols, we are often able to stop the perpetrators on Hungarian territory,” emphasizes Michael Takacs, director of the federal police.
Spectacular missions
Photos of dented vehicles belonging to perpetrators or migrants hidden under a lorry full of tires bear witness to dramatic scenes. A deterrent signal: intercepted smugglers are detained in Hungary after just 48 hours.
Avoid tugs
“By joining forces, the criminals can be effectively pushed back before they can reach Austria and further Western Europe,” the powerful “Fox” forces draw a positive balance. In this context, a decrease in the number of smugglers in the Siegendorf Poesta has also been noted.
Interior Minister satisfied
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is pleased with the high success rate: “Both the number of arrested refugees and the number of asylum applications are now falling sharply.” While 12,000 asylum applications were registered last November, there were only 2,600 in February.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
