Major Human Trafficking Ring Dismantled Across Europe

Authorities arrest over 20 suspects linked to a network responsible for smuggling hundreds into Europe, highlighting the growing violence of such operations.

• A coordinated operation across several European countries led to the arrest of more than 20 individuals involved in a large-scale human trafficking network.
• The group is accused of smuggling at least 748 people, primarily from Syria, into Europe via the Balkan route since 2021.
• Four key suspects, all Syrian nationals, were apprehended in Germany, with charges including attempted murder and robbery against the alleged ringleader.
• Investigations revealed the syndicate profited over 3.3 million euros, charging migrants approximately 4500 euros per journey.
• The operation underscores the increasing violence and sophistication of human smuggling rings, prompting calls for enhanced international law enforcement collaboration.

11 Articles

Süddeutsche Zeitung Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung Stern Die Rheinpfalz Der Tagesspiegel Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung DER SPIEGEL Der Tagesspiegel Sächsische Zeitung BILD Stern