International Operation Nabs Gang Members Implicated In Mediterranean Migrant Smuggling, INTERPOL Says

An international law enforcement operation targeting migrant-smuggling networks across the Mediterranean and West Africa resulted in 262 arrests and exposed dozens of transnational organized crime syndicates.

The four-day operation, involving authorities from 16 countries, identified 41 organized criminal groups, launched 434 new investigations and uncovered 109 potential human trafficking victims, according to a Tuesday INTERPOL announcement. Of those arrested, during the Oct. 5 to Oct. 8 mission, 221 are accused of migrant smuggling, 16 of human trafficking and 25 of other offenses, including document fraud, as authorities cracked down on criminal networks exploiting dangerous migration routes into Europe that contribute to the migrant crisis.

INTERPOL did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

“The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors, claiming thousands of lives annually. Smugglers exploit vulnerable populations, often subjecting them to abuse, extortion and trafficking, as well as risking migrants’ lives on overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels,” INTERPOL Director of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, David Cautner, said in the announcement. “INTERPOL is uniquely placed to facilitate cross-border collaboration so countries can identify criminals, dismantle their networks and supply chains, and ultimately save human lives.”

A total of 7,660 INTERPOL personnel searched over 378,000 migrants, leading to the arrests and exposure of transnational organized crime groups. In one instance, a vessel carrying 70 would-be migrants, including 30 minors, that had been at sea for six days was intercepted in Southern Morocco, the report alleges.

Acting on shared intelligence, INTERPOL also worked to seize migrant vessels prior to their departure. In one case, Tunisian law enforcement apprehended three individuals charged with human smuggling, taking a boat, marine engine, and other supplies into law enforcement possession, according to the report. Teams also patrolled airports, where they remained on the lookout for fabricated documents. Law enforcement in Cyprus, Greece, and Morocco apprehended both individuals using fraudulent documents and selling counterfeit passports.

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