French Authorities Crack Down on Migrant Trafficking Ring
French authorities have arrested 26 people and seized €11 million in assets as part of a massive operation to dismantle a migrant trafficking ring suspected of bringing thousands of people from South Asia into France.
The Arrests
The arrests took place between March and November 2024, with 15 of the 26 men placed in pre-trial detention and seven under judicial supervision. The remaining four, who were recently arrested, were presented to the investigating judge on Thursday.
The Network’s Operations
The traffickers charged between €15,000 and €26,000 per person, with the network generating several million euros in illegal profits. These profits were laundered through construction companies, gold trafficking, and informal transfers of money back to South Asia.
How the Smugglers Operated
The smugglers facilitated migrants’ travel to the European Union via Dubai or African states, providing them with illegally obtained tourist, work, or medical visas. The head of the network remains at large, with France’s request for his extradition from Dubai yet to be agreed.
The Assets Seized
The €11 million worth of assets included properties, luxury cars, jewelry, and gold. The arrested individuals are accused of belonging to different levels of the gang, ranging from smugglers to money launderers and shady finance brokers.
The Investigation
The investigation by France’s Office for the Fight against the Illicit Traffic of Migrants was released as migration becomes a key issue for French political parties. The conservative government that took office in September has said it will clampdown, while France has also faced pressure over undocumented migrants crossing the Channel to Britain from its northern coast.
The Consequences of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in France. In December 2023, a plane carrying hundreds of Indian passengers was grounded for days at Vatry airport east of Paris over concerns it was part of a human trafficking scheme.
FAQs
- Who were the 26 people arrested in the migrant trafficking ring?
The 26 people arrested were suspected of being involved in the migrant trafficking ring. - How much money was seized in assets?
€11 million worth of assets were seized. - How did the smugglers operate?
The smugglers facilitated migrants’ travel to the European Union via Dubai or African states, providing them with illegally obtained tourist, work, or medical visas. - What is the potential sentence for human trafficking in France?
Human trafficking carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in France.