By Ebi Kesiena
German authorities have dismantled an international migrant smuggling network accused of using Libya as a launch point for dangerous crossings to Europe, arresting three suspects in a joint operation with Serbian authorities.
The German Federal Police said the network had facilitated the movement of at least 125 migrants, mostly Syrians, since October 2024.
According to investigators, the migrants were transported from the Libyan coast across the Mediterranean to Italy before being moved onward to Germany through established smuggling routes.
The coordinated operation resulted in raids at six locations in Saarbrücken, including a warehouse investigators believe was used by members of the network.
Authorities said the group generated at least €875,000 from the smuggling activities.
A 26-year-old Syrian national was among those arrested after allegedly coming to the attention of German border officials several times during checks dating back to February 2025.
The operation, conducted in cooperation with Serbian authorities, is part of broader efforts by European law enforcement agencies to disrupt organised criminal networks facilitating irregular migration across the Mediterranean and into Europe.
German authorities said investigations into the network are continuing as they work to establish the full extent of its activities and identify other individuals involved.
