Smuggling via the Balkan Route – a backstreet supply chain shielded by complexity

18 May 2021

Smuggling activity on the Balkan Route into Europe is more readily and easily undertaken due to a lack of comprehensive law enforcement and issues of corruption. Established smuggling routes and procedures have less of a direct impact than when smuggling occurs within regular lawful logistics operations. But negative implications cannot be ruled out.

By Hans-Kristian Pedersen, Mediterranean and Black Sea analyst

The Balkan Route, as it is known, is a term describing a loosely defined smuggling route, or corridor, identifying the geographical focus area of the smuggling activity. The route is often considered to be one of the main smuggling routes for illicit drugs and narcotics, particularly heroin, into Europe. It runs through the Balkan countries and is therefore predominantly a land-based route, though not exclusively as there are connections to maritime corridors as well.

Overall, and the possible implications for shipping and logistics operations are therefore greater for those transporting goods through the region over land. The geographical specifics vary but generally includes Turkey and Italy as transit countries – sometimes referred to as the “Extended Balkan Route” when including Turkey. Commodities such as cigarettes are also known to smuggled in large quantities.

The starting point of the route is often assessed to be in countries in the south Caucasus, Middle Asia and the Middle East regions including Iran and Pakistan. However, smuggled goods can also enter the route at any point and be picked up by the wider network to enable the further smuggling of the illicit goods. A particular focus of the route is to smuggle goods and people into Europe.

The actors involved with smuggling along the Balkan Route can be affiliated with organised crime groups or clans, including Mafia style “families” – although this is not always the case. This reflects the disjointed connection between the perpetrator of a particular crime and the organisation enabling the crime. The use of force and coercion are known methods of operating.

Methods of smuggling include modified lorries with concealed compartments, or illicit goods hidden amongst other legally transported goods. Thus, the direct threat to normal logistics operations is assessed as possible, though less likely.

Aside from narcotics, people, including children, are also often reported to be smuggled by networks along the same route. Additionally, it is worth noting that several links are known to be involved as part of the smuggling route – each link carrying out the smuggling through “their” area.

Although apprehension of smuggled goods and the arrests of individuals are often reported, it is a difficult issue to resolve. One of the main reasons being the extensive geographical area of the route, including different jurisdictions and regional entities, such as the European Union and nation states. As such, the fragmented composition of those involved further complicates the issue of combating the activity.

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