Bergamo police have dismantled a criminal organization responsible for smuggling Kurdish migrants into Italy and other parts of the EU via the Balkan route.
The operation, codenamed “Yolcu,” resulted in the arrest of four individuals—all ethnic Kurds.
In addition to migrant smuggling, they are also charged with money laundering.
The investigation began two years ago when Italian authorities noticed a spike in asylum requests from Turkish nationals, primarily ethnic Kurds. Authorities were able to trace the exact route: migrants would first fly to Sarajevo, then travel by van to the Bosnia and Herzegovina–Croatia border, and from there proceed to the Slovenia–Italy border. To avoid detection, women and children often crossed the border on foot, through forested and mountainous areas.
Once in Italy, some migrants would apply for asylum, while others were transported onward to Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Payments were made in advance in Turkey through intermediaries, while the smugglers received cash upon delivering the migrants to the Bergamo area.
The investigation is ongoing and currently focused on identifying accomplices outside of Italy.
Source: Atv
