An international operation against criminal organizations trafficking human beings across the Mediterranean and the Canary migration route, also known as the West African Atlantic route, has resulted in the arrest of 262 people and the opening of 434 new investigations.
Under the framework of operation Communis Maris, which took place between October 5 and 8, 109 potential victims of human trafficking were identified, and approximately 1,715 migrants attempting to reach European shores were detected. Additionally, the participating agencies identified 41 criminal organizations.
Of the 262 suspects arrested, the majority (221) were charged with facilitating irregular immigration, sixteen with human trafficking, and twenty-five with other crimes, including the production and fraudulent use of documents.
In the operation, which lasted four days, police forces and border agencies from sixteen countries in North and West Africa, Southeastern Europe, and the Middle East participated. Among them was Spain.
Led by Interpol, with support from Europol, Frontex, AFRIPOL, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The operation aimed to dismantle criminal networks, identify traffickers, and rescue people at risk.
During the operation, 7,660 officers were mobilized, and over 378,000 people were checked, hot spots were monitored, and controls were reinforced.
Action in Morocco
During the operation, participating countries "intercepted" a large number of precarious vessels at sea. For example, in southern Morocco, authorities intercepted a boat with 70 migrants on board, including 30 minors, who had been at sea for six days.
Also, in another case, Senegalese officers were alerted by neighboring authorities about the departure of a vessel. The following day, Mauritanian authorities intercepted the wooden raft carrying 80 passengers, including two children, and arrested three alleged organizers.
Within the framework of the Communis Maris investigation, they discovered dozens of links to publications on social networks, groups, and accounts that promote irregular immigration and human trafficking services. In addition, Interpol reports that 434 new investigations have been opened, and that further arrests are not ruled out in the coming weeks.
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