European authorities dismantled a human smuggling network operating in Romania. A joint effort led to the arrest of 12 individuals accused of bringing migrants into the EU illegally.
The Scheme:
Romanian and Pakistani nationals allegedly set up fake companies in Romania to secure work visas for migrants from Bengal, Egypt, and Pakistan. These visas were likely obtained through fraudulent means, with the jobs possibly non-existent.
The Movement:
Once in Romania, many migrants reportedly used these illicit visas to travel further into Europe, with Italy and Austria being suspected destinations. Investigators believe 76 individuals moved on illegally.
Profitable Network:
The network charged migrants hefty sums. Entry into Romania ranged from €5,000 to €6,000, with additional fees (€2,000-€5,000) for onward movement. Authorities estimate the group earned over €1 million illegally.
The Takedown:
Raids across Romania, Italy, and Austria resulted in the seizure of luxury vehicles, electronics, documents, and over €146,000. This case highlights the ongoing battle against human smuggling and visa fraud in the EU. Investigations continue to identify those who benefitted and dismantle the network completely.
