Europol Dismantles a Major Human Smuggling Network

Europol has announced the dismantling of a major international migrant smuggling network that was also responsible for forging identity documents from 17 different European countries.

During the coordinated operation, six individuals were arrested across Spain, Austria, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and several properties were searched. In Madrid, authorities seized a large quantity of forged documents, electronic devices, and cash.

According to the Europol statement, the network’s modus operandi involved bringing migrants into Europe using authentic passports and visas. Once inside the Schengen area, the smugglers provided the migrants with highly sophisticated forged documents to facilitate their illegal entry into the United Kingdom.