Ten people who are believed to be responsible for smuggling migrants into Europe have been arrested in Italy and in Germany.
One of them is believed to be the ringleader behind some 20 treacherous voyages on unsafe boats across the Mediterranean, including the crossing in which some 244 people perished off the coast of Libya last June.
The trips were between north Africa and Europe and took place between May and September. The organisation smuggled people between Italy, Libya, Eritrea and other north African countries.
The ten alleged migrant smugglers, all Eritrean, have been charged with conspiracy and aiding illegal immigration. Another Eritrean was arrested for harbouring migrants.
It is believed that the suspects had networks across Italy and elsewhere in Europe which they used to smuggle the migrants into other European countries.
During the sting operation eight Somali children and one adult were found locked in an attic while the smugglers awaiting payment from the migrants’ families.
Migrant children frequently are forced into work or prostitution by gangs once they are in Europe.
Of more than 12,000 unaccompanied minors who arrived in Italy from Africa this year, about one-third had gone missing from foster homes and government shelters.
Some minors have been forced to pilot the migrant boats to Italy. So far this year, 18 have been arrested and jailed in Sicily on trafficking charges.
The operation was conducted by the Italian police in cooperation with the German police and other authorities.
Comments
High resolution satellite photos can identify Russian tanks in the Ukraine. Is there that many boats leaving from secluded bays on the north African coast ? Sure some will be fishermen, but they will not be going far out. But the rest ?
That said ... it again emphasises that the Portuguese nation made such efforts to keep legitimate northern EU incomers out of their economy. Totally the opposite of what the EU is for!
By outright lying over which were relevant laws, over charging and general dishonesty.
But the Portuguese then always misleadingly blame bureaucratic incompetence and inertia for the problem. Not seeing it as a self created problem, solely due to their idiotic employment policy of giving jobs for life; for political votes and to friends and family,
Consider the recent alojamento local rules. Why are they 30 years LATE ? It is quite obvious that, in a functioning system run by competent trained tourism and tax staff - registering for tax would be simple.
As always though the barons in the Municipal must have their cut. And the power to hinder and delay.