Mauritanian authorities have foiled a migrant smuggling operation, intercepting a wooden boat carrying 80 people, including 2 children, off the coast of Mauritania. The operation, dubbed "Communis Maris," was carried out by Interpol and involved 16 countries. The Mauritanian authorities received a tip from Senegalese authorities about the boat's departure from Senegalese territorial waters.
The operation, which took place between October 5 and 8, was funded by the European Union and targeted criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking in the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes. A total of 262 people were arrested, including 221 suspected migrant smugglers and 16 human traffickers. The operation also led to the identification of 41 organized crime groups and the launch of 434 new investigations.
The Mauritanian authorities worked closely with Senegalese authorities to intercept the boat, which was carrying 80 migrants, including 2 children. Three suspects were arrested and are being held for questioning. The boat was intercepted just one day after Senegalese authorities alerted neighboring countries about its departure.
The Interpol operation involved 7660 security personnel from 16 countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Senegal, Gambia, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Syria. The operation resulted in the verification of over 378,000 identities and the identification of 1715 irregular migrants and 109 potential victims of human trafficking.
The Mauritanian coast is a major crossing point for migrants attempting to reach the Spanish Canary Islands. The country's authorities have been working to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking, with the support of international partners. According to Interpol, the Mediterranean is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.
The operation also involved monitoring social media platforms, where dozens of links were identified promoting smuggling services. Interpol's director of organized and emerging crime, David Contre, said that the Mediterranean is a critical migration route and that the organization expects further arrests to be made in the coming weeks and months.
The crackdown on migrant smuggling and human trafficking is part of a broader effort to combat organized crime in the region. The operation demonstrates the commitment of Mauritanian and international authorities to addressing the issue.
Key points
- 262 people arrested, including 221 suspected migrant smugglers and 16 human traffickers.
- 41 organized crime groups identified and 434 new investigations launched.
- 1715 irregular migrants and 109 potential victims of human trafficking identified.
