Europol dismantles migrant smuggling network from Vietnam to UK

European law enforcement authorities have dismantled an organised network that trafficked migrants from Vietnam through EU countries to the United Kingdom.

Between March 29 and 30, eight individuals, including the suspected ringleader, were arrested in France, Germany, and Hungary, Caliber.Az reports, citing Europol.

The organisation managed the entire migration route, from entry into the Schengen Zone to transport into the UK.

According to Europol, migrants entered the EU on short-term visas or residence permits issued by Hungary before being flown to France.

There, they were housed in accommodations around Paris, then transported north to be smuggled into the UK via inflatable boats.

The final leg of the route was facilitated by a Kurdish-Iraqi network operating in northern France.

The network reportedly moved at least 15 migrants per month, charging up to €22,000 per person for the full journey.

During searches, authorities seized approximately 20 passports, three vehicles, electronic devices, €10,000 in cash, and up to €3 million in suspected criminal proceeds.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov