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Dusseldorf (dpa⁄CHATNEWSTV) – Hundreds of police officers conducted raids in western Germany on Wednesday as part of an international operation targeting people smugglers accused of transporting migrants from the Middle East and North Africa to the United Kingdom via France.
The smugglers, identified as an Iraqi-Kurdish group, allegedly facilitated illegal crossings of the English Channel using overcrowded inflatable boats, German police said.
“This morning, more than 500 officers were deployed in North Rhine-Westphalia alone, with additional operations in Baden-Württemberg,” a police spokeswoman in Dusseldorf confirmed. “We’ve been asked to execute over 10 European arrest warrants.”
The crackdown, coordinated at the European level, was led by French authorities with support from Europol and Eurojust, the European Union’s law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. At least 20 French investigators participated in the German raids.
The English Channel has become a focal point of illegal migration in recent years, with thousands attempting the perilous journey in small boats. French newspaper Le Parisien reported that at least 72 migrants have died this year during crossings.
Authorities say the smuggling network profited from the desperate circumstances of migrants seeking entry into the UK. “These networks exploit vulnerable individuals, charging them exorbitant sums and placing them in life-threatening situations,” a Europol spokesperson said.
The UK, in collaboration with France, has intensified efforts to stem the flow of illegal crossings. Despite increased surveillance and joint patrols, crossings have continued to rise.
Wednesday’s operation is the latest in a series of coordinated actions across Europe aimed at dismantling smuggling rings. Investigators believe the arrests and intelligence gathered during the raids will significantly disrupt the group’s operations.
