Man Found Shot Dead in Van with Irregular Migrants in France

A 47-year-old man was discovered shot dead inside a UK-plated van at the Champ l’Epée rest area in northern France, approximately 30 kilometres north of Troyes, around 5:00 a.m. on a Friday. The van was carrying about 10 foreign nationals who were in France irregularly.

The Troyes prosecutor, Isabelle Verissimo, reported that the man had a gunshot wound to the head. Preliminary investigations suggested that shots were fired as the van stopped at the rest area, prompting several individuals to flee the scene.

A suspect believed to have been present during the incident was arrested early Friday. The investigation has been transferred to the law enforcement office in Reims.

The Troyes prosecutor’s office announced that a criminal case would be opened on Saturday, with charges including murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, aiding the organized entry and movement of foreigners in France, and organized human trafficking.