Italy arrests 19 people suspected of smuggling migrants

Police in Italy arrested 19 people believed to be running a smuggling ring bringing in migrants to Italy.

Migrants wait in line to receive supplies from the Red Cross at the Vucjak refugee camp outside Bihac, northwestern Bosnia,Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Among the arrestees include Iraqi Kurds, Afghan nationals, and Italians. Police said the arrests are a result of a two-year investigation on the suspects smuggling operations with individuals in Greece and Turkey.

Migrants coming from Turkey and Greece were often brought to Italy on sailboats that were either stolen or hired, according to police.

Smugglers would receive approximately $7,273 for their services which included finding migrants accommodation and documents that would allow migrants to travel past Italy and into other EU member states as well as residence permits to settle in Italy.

Police said the smugglers' operation offices stretch to multiple Italian cities and towns which include Milan, Turin, and Ventimiglia.

Officers seized mobile phones, computers, and $38,757 in cash.

By: Niza Nondo