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INTERPOL-led operation across 16 countries results in 262 arrests and 434 new investigations targeting migrant smuggling, human trafficking and related offences.
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Authorities identify 41 organised criminal groups, detect 1,715 irregular migrants and identify 109 potential victims of human trafficking.
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Security agencies intercept migrant boats carrying 150 people, including children, off Morocco and Mauritania, while Libyan authorities rescue 34 potential trafficking victims.
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More than 378,000 people screened and 210,594 searches conducted through INTERPOL databases during the four-day international crackdown.
November 10, (THEWILL) – An international crackdown on organised criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking across the Mediterranean Sea and the West African Atlantic route has resulted in the arrest of 262 suspects in 16 countries and the identification of 41 criminal groups.
The four-day operation, coordinated by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), also led to the opening of 434 new investigations, the identification of 109 potential victims of human trafficking and the detection of 1,715 irregular migrants.
Known as Operation Communis Maris, the exercise was conducted from October 5 to 8, 2026, bringing together law enforcement and border management agencies from North and West Africa, southern Europe and the Middle East.
According to INTERPOL, 221 of the suspects arrested are accused of migrant-smuggling offences, 16 are suspected of human trafficking, while 25 others were arrested over related crimes, including the production and use of fraudulent travel documents.
The operation was supported by Europol, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the African Police Cooperation Organisation (AFRIPOL), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
It was aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks, identifying and arresting smugglers, rescuing people exposed to trafficking and exploitation, and strengthening cooperation among countries along major irregular migration routes.
A statement by INTERPOL on Tuesday, disclosed that during the operation, 7,660 law enforcement officers screened more than 378,000 people, monitored identified migration hotspots, reinforced checks at strategic locations and pursued intelligence leads linked to suspected criminal networks.
INTERPOL also deployed officers to an Operational Coordination Unit in Athens, Greece, to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing and support coordinated enforcement activities among participating countries.
The organisation disclosed that 210,594 searches were conducted against its databases during the operation to identify suspects, verify identities and strengthen cross-border investigations.
David Caunter, INTERPOL’s Director of Organised and Emerging Crime, said the operation underscored the need for stronger international cooperation to confront criminal networks exploiting vulnerable migrants and exposing them to life-threatening journeys.
“The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors, claiming thousands of lives annually. Smugglers exploit vulnerable populations, often subjecting them to abuse, extortion and trafficking, as well as risking migrants’ lives on overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels,” Caunter said.
He said INTERPOL was strategically positioned to support countries in identifying criminal networks and disrupting their operations across national borders.
“INTERPOL is uniquely placed to facilitate cross-border collaboration so countries can identify criminals, dismantle their networks and supply chains, and ultimately save human lives,” he added.
Dangerous Boats Intercepted, Children Among Migrants
Several vessels suspected of transporting irregular migrants were intercepted during the operation, exposing the dangerous conditions under which criminal networks moved people across maritime routes.
In southern Morocco, authorities intercepted a vessel carrying 70 prospective migrants, including 30 minors, who had reportedly spent six days at sea.
In another case, Senegalese authorities alerted neighbouring countries after detecting a vessel departing the country’s territorial waters.
Mauritanian authorities intercepted the wooden pirogue the following day, finding 80 passengers, including two children, on board. Three suspected organisers of the journey were also arrested.
Participating countries also intensified surveillance to prevent migrant boats from departing, rather than waiting to intercept them after they had embarked on dangerous journeys.
In Tunisia, law enforcement officers foiled an attempted crossing and arrested three Tunisian nationals suspected of organising migrant smuggling. A boat, marine engine and other equipment were also seized.
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Libya Rescues 34 Potential Trafficking Victims
In Libya, authorities rescued 34 potential victims of human trafficking and arrested three individuals suspected of belonging to an organised criminal group involved in human trafficking, migrant smuggling and extortion.
In Algeria, six suspects were arrested in an investigation targeting a migrant-smuggling network. In addition to smuggling-related allegations, they face accusations of endangering minors.
In Syria, coordinated maritime patrols and surveillance operations by several national agencies led to a raid on premises allegedly used by migrant smugglers.
Seven suspects, including the alleged ringleader, were arrested, while 22 irregular migrants were intercepted.
Airports, Forged Documents Targeted
Beyond maritime operations, participating countries strengthened security checks at airports and targeted fraudulent documents and illicit financial activities used to sustain migrant-smuggling networks.
Authorities in Cyprus and Greece made arrests at airports following attempts by individuals to travel using forged documents.
In Morocco, security operatives arrested a suspect accused of supplying forged passports and recruiting people for irregular migration.
French police also arrested six individuals suspected of money laundering, facilitating irregular migration and housing a vulnerable or dependent person in conditions incompatible with human dignity.
INTERPOL further disclosed that the operation uncovered dozens of links to social media posts, groups and accounts advertising or promoting irregular migration and migrant-smuggling services.
The intelligence gathered, together with the 434 newly opened investigations, is expected to provide additional leads for law enforcement agencies and could result in further arrests in the coming weeks and months.
The Mediterranean Sea and the West African Atlantic route remain major corridors for irregular migration, with criminal networks facilitating dangerous journeys for people seeking to reach Europe.
INTERPOL said the operation was part of sustained international efforts to disrupt the criminal organisations behind migrant smuggling and human trafficking, identify their members and bring those responsible to justice.
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