[eurojust.europa.eu] Sixty-five persons suspected of taking part in a people-smuggling
network have been arrested throughout Europe during the last few days
in an operation, conducted by the Spanish National Police, supported by
Europol and Eurojust. The investigations and arrests took place in
Spain, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, the Slovak Republic and Poland. The
majority of the suspects are said to be involved in the clandestine
smuggling of a large number of illegal immigrants into and within the
European Union whilst others were arrested for violating the Aliens
Acts.
Subsequently, a number of illegal immigrants have been detained in
various Member States during the investigation phase. It is estimated
that this network was responsible for the transportation of at least
3.500 illegal immigrants. Investigations and house searches were
carried out in the various countries involved.
The police and judicial operations were code-named Operation TRUFAS.
Operation TRUFAS targeted a network primarily consisting of Ukrainian
nationals and former nationals facilitating the illegal immigration of
citizens from Ukraine and Moldova into and within Europe. The Spanish
National Police had started their investigation in October 2007. In the
course of the investigation, several links were identified to the other
participating countries.
Each of the persons being smuggled is believed to have paid between €
2.400 to € 3.000, depending on the means of transportation and final
destination.
The illegal immigrants usually travelled in cramped conditions, mainly
in cars and coaches, from Ukraine via Poland or the Slovak Republic to
southern European countries.
Europol coordinated the ongoing investigations in the various
countries. Europol officers prepared several intelligence reports,
facilitated the exchange of information, and coordinated the police
operations. The main suspects and new criminal links were discovered
with the support of Europol in close cooperation with national experts
after in-depth analysis.
At the request of Spanish investigating judges and prosecutors,
Eurojust opened a case to coordinate the execution phase in four Member
States and to facilitate the Mutual Legal Assistance and the execution
of the European Arrest Warrants. In October 2008, meetings took place
at Eurojust in The Hague involving judges and prosecutors from the
Member States concerned.
The joint operation was managed from Malaga, where a co-ordination
centre was set up. During the operation, Europol was represented by
three officers, who performed on-the-spot analysis, and Eurojust’s
Seconded National Expert for Spain and a Case Management Analyst were
also present.
For further questions, please contact:
EUROPOL: Mr Soren Kragh Pedersen, Chief of Media/PR Office +31 70 302 5118 – soren.pedersen@europol.europa.eu
EUROJUST: Mr Joannes Thuy, Press Officer and Spokesperson +31 70 412 5508 –
jthuy@eurojust.europa.eu
Source: http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/press_releases/2008/13-11-2008.htm
