Law enforcement from five countries has arrested 62 people suspected of smuggling migrants from Cuba to the European Union.
The suspects are accused of using a variety of methods to transport migrants, including boats, planes, and cars. They also allegedly used false documents and fraudulent travel arrangements. The arrests are a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking, but law enforcement agencies need to continue to work together to disrupt these networks and protect the lives of migrants.
“These arrests are a major blow to a criminal network that was putting the lives of migrants at risk,” said Europol Director Rob Wainwright. “We will continue to work with our international partners to dismantle these networks and bring those responsible to justice.”
The arrests come just days after the deadliest human smuggling incident in US history. On June 27, 2022, 53 migrants were found dead in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas. The migrants, who were from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, had been trapped in the trailer for hours in hot and humid conditions. The heat and lack of oxygen caused them to suffocate.
