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Italian Police Dismantle Major Migrant Smuggling Network
15 Egyptians Arrested in Multi-Country Operation
Italian police announced Tuesday that they have broken up a large migrant smuggling operation responsible for illegally transporting thousands of people across the Mediterranean. The network, primarily run by Egyptians, used sailboats to carry migrants from Turkey to Greece and Italy.
3,000 Migrants Smuggled Since 2021
According to a statement by Italian authorities, the network facilitated the illegal entry of at least 3,000 migrants into Italy since 2021. Each migrant reportedly paid $10,000 for the journey, bringing the smugglers’ total earnings to more than $30 million.
International Arrests Coordinated by Anti-Mafia Prosecutors
The arrests were made simultaneously in several countries, including Germany, Albania, Turkey, and Oman, with the assistance of Interpol and Europol. The investigation was coordinated by anti-mafia prosecutors in Sicily, highlighting the organized crime elements involved.
Operation Run from Istanbul
The smuggling network was led by an Egyptian national who managed operations from Istanbul. Italian police said the organization recruited professional skippers, almost all of Egyptian origin, and provided logistical support to migrants while they waited in Turkey.
Dangerous Sea Crossings on Overloaded Sailboats
Departures took place from the Turkish ports of Bodrum, Izmir, and Marmari, with journeys lasting up to a week. Migrants were crammed aboard 12–15-meter sailboats, often without life-saving equipment. Conditions onboard were described as extremely unsafe and inhumane.
Ongoing Mediterranean Tragedy
The Mediterranean remains one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. Since February 2023, when at least 94 people died off the coast of Cutro, Italy, the route from Turkey to Italy has drawn increasing international concern.
“Italian Police Dismantle Major Migrant Smuggling Network” “Italian Police Dismantle Major Migrant Smuggling Network”