FUP arrests two in case involving kidnapping and extortion of five Chinese nationals

Two nationals of the People's Republic of China were deprived of their liberty on suspicion of involvement in organising the illegal transportation of migrants. Following criminal processing, they were handed over to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Service for Foreigners' Affairs for further action within its jurisdiction.

The operation was carried out following a report concerning the kidnapping of five Chinese nationals who, while being transported illegally in an organised operation towards the state border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the intention of continuing their journey to Italy, became victims of unlawful detention, physical and psychological abuse, extortion and sexual violence.

A ransom of 15,000 euros per person was demanded for their release, accompanied by threats to kill them, while some of the victims were extorted for money through electronic payment applications.

The FBiH Police Administration has submitted a report on the committed criminal offence to the BiH Prosecutor's Office against three individuals, two Chinese nationals and one Pakistani national, on suspicion of committing the criminal offence of "Organising a Group or Association for the Purpose of Committing the Criminal Offence of Migrant Smuggling" under Article 189a of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina.