French Authorities Dismantle Major Migrant Trafficking Network

26 arrests and €11 million in asset seizures mark the takedown of a criminal group smuggling thousands from South Asia into France.

The network is accused of smuggling thousands of migrants from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal into France since September 2021, charging between €15,000 and €26,000 per person.
Authorities seized €11 million in assets, including luxury cars, properties, jewelry, and gold, as well as 35 bank accounts tied to the operation.
The group allegedly laundered profits through construction companies, gold trafficking, and the informal 'hawala' money transfer system.
26 individuals have been arrested in connection with the network, with 15 in pre-trial detention and others under judicial supervision or awaiting charges.
The alleged ringleader remains at large in Dubai, with extradition efforts ongoing as part of the investigation led by France's border police and Europol.