Migration via Belarus: Poland takes successful action against human smuggling ring

Human smugglers who took advantage of the Polish-Belarusian border conflict to illegally transport people to the EU have been shut down by Polish law enforcement. Since the beginning of 2023, 29 suspects have been detained.

The operation, led by the Prosecutor's Office in Zgorzelec, involved the Police, Border Guard, and tax authorities. Their investigation revealed how criminals took advantage of the border crisis and organized human smuggling, charging migrants thousands of dollars in exchange for a passage to Western Europe.

The criminal network employed sophisticated tactics to evade detection. The organizers, who communicated primarily via encrypted messaging apps, had a clear division of responsibilities. Some members were responsible for recruiting and transporting migrants, while others operated safehouses where migrants could stay before and after illegally crossing the border.

The investigation highlighted the migrants' desperation and the smugglers' ruthlessness. Migrants, often fleeing conflict and poverty, paid thousands of dollars to the smugglers, risking their lives in the hope of reaching Europe. The smugglers, on the other hand, showed no regard for the migrants' safety, often leaving them stranded in dangerous conditions.

The Polish government has been praised for its response to the human smuggling crisis. The successful operation sends a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated and demonstrates the country's commitment to protecting its borders and combating organized crime.

The operation is a reminder of the challenges posed by human smuggling and the need for international cooperation to combat it. As migration patterns continue to shift, it is crucial for authorities to remain vigilant and work together to dismantle the networks that exploit vulnerable people.

Source: RMF24