Cases of Bulgarians trafficking people to Greece are on the rise.

According to the Greek embassy to Bulgaria, Bulgarian cargo vehicle drivers are failing to properly check what they are carrying, which is tantamount to indirect co-operation in people trafficking.

Under Greek law, a conviction for human trafficking means from four-and-a-half to nine years in prison, the Association of Bulgarian Companies for International Transportation and Roads (ABCITR) said, as quoted by Focus news agency.

Penalties also include a fine from 5000 to 70 000 euro and confiscation of the vehicle.

Cargo vehicle drivers should be especially vigilant when passing through the Greek ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa on the way to Italy, ABCITR said.

The two ports are main Greek exits, leading to Italy and a number of traffickers try to transfer illegal emigrants to Italy through the ports.