Police smash ring smuggling migrants from Turkey to Italy in yachts


FILE PHOTO: Italian coastguard members rescue 125 migrants who were found stranded on the shores of Isola dei Conigli, a small island close to Lampedusa, Italy, September 9, 2021. Italian Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS

ATHENS (Reuters) - European police have dismantled a criminal network that made hundreds of millions of euros smuggling migrants from Turkey to Italy mainly on yachts, Greek police said.

Greece and Italy have been on the frontline of Europe's migration crisis since it began in 2015. While most migrants and refugees typically cross from Turkey to nearby Greek islands, a growing number of people have reached Italy from Turkey by sea since 2020, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's sweeping tariffs
Explainer-What charge might King Charles' brother face after his arrest?
France's far right seeks to deepen mainstream credibility after activist's killing
Trump says he is considering limited military strike on Iran
Analysis-Britain's royals face their worst crisis in 90 years over Andrew's Epstein links
France allows culling of around 200 wolves to protect livestock
Germany's Merz vows to keep out far-right as he warns of a changed world
Spain's top court rejects father's bid to halt daughter's euthanasia
Germany's Merz says his conservatives will not partner with far-right AfD
Norway moves some of its 60 soldiers in Middle East due to security situation

Others Also Read