26 arrested, accused of smuggling thousands of Afghans
Afghan migrants are detained in a Greek port in May 2010.
January 13th, 2011
11:39 AM ET

26 arrested, accused of smuggling thousands of Afghans

Italian police supported by the European Police Agency arrested 26 people this week suspected of smuggling thousands of illegal immigrants from Afghanistan into Europe.

The smuggling network was responsible for transporting about 200 hundreds migrants a month since August 2008, according to a news release from Europol. Twenty percent of those moved through the network were children, the police agency said.

The migrants were first moved through Pakistan, Iran and Turkey into Greece, the agency said. From there, they went through Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro or Bosnia into Rome for transport northward. Most went to the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden. The migrants could spend from days to weeks in transit, depending upon circumstances.

Migrants paid anywhere from $4,600 to $6,600 for the trip. Money was moved through the system using the “hawala” money transfer network that operates outside of normal banking channels, Europol said.

Most of the 26 arrests were made in Italy, but others were taken into custody in France and Germany, Europol said.

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Filed under: Afghanistan • Europe • France • Germany • Italy • World
soundoff (29 Responses)
  1. biggerthanyou

    Ok who gives a fudge?

    January 13, 2011 at 11:49 am | Report abuse |
    • Patricia

      I do! The world doesn't revolve around USA only. If you are not interested why did you click on it?

      January 13, 2011 at 11:58 am | Report abuse |
    • Jack

      U.S.A. should, since they invaded the Afganistan!

      January 13, 2011 at 12:30 pm | Report abuse |
    • Daniel

      Good posting,Jack and Patricia. Thank you both

      January 13, 2011 at 7:32 pm | Report abuse |
    • yeshuamaitreya

      So does that mean they arrested the Pedo-Pope or what? C'mon CNN report if Pedo-Pope was arrested for smuggling young boys.

      January 17, 2011 at 11:39 am | Report abuse |
  2. Kennel Karl

    I had an afghanistan a smelly for a dog

    January 13, 2011 at 12:47 pm | Report abuse |
  3. King of England and Northern Ireland

    HAHAHAHAHA Check out the Afghan with the Chelsea FC Jersey LMFAO BLUE IS THE COLOR!!!!!!

    January 13, 2011 at 1:47 pm | Report abuse |
  4. nick

    poor afghans

    January 13, 2011 at 3:55 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Daniel

    I have a far better idea. Let's stop the obscene war in Afghanistan and get the NATO forces out!!!

    January 13, 2011 at 7:33 pm | Report abuse |
  6. waldo

    Danial were you in the army and do you have kids and afgans are good orbad

    January 13, 2011 at 7:41 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Philip

    And let's stop calling an occupation "war".

    January 13, 2011 at 10:31 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Thehype

    so correct phillip... My apologies..but so often we only care about mike jacksons navel and not any other attention span is allowed. You have it exactly correct.

    January 14, 2011 at 1:07 am | Report abuse |
  9. Thehype

    we should all start a network... Oh wait.. Thats called white american student "exchange"... Otherwise known as the c.i.a. lol

    January 14, 2011 at 1:22 am | Report abuse |
    • kbaredge126c

      What are you yapping about, boy?

      January 14, 2011 at 9:58 am | Report abuse |
  10. IMA Sarahpalinfanatic

    What ?? I did'nt say anything .

    January 14, 2011 at 2:11 am | Report abuse |
  11. chrissy

    when it comes to children everyone needs to become involved! they are helpless victims and need to be protected and as adults its our obligation no matter what national or color they are. they certainly have had no say in the way theyve been treated.

    January 14, 2011 at 2:27 am | Report abuse |
  12. Mr. Potato Head

    I want to live in Idaho – so I can be an Idaho Potato

    January 14, 2011 at 2:28 am | Report abuse |
  13. Mr. Potato Head

    Idaho Potatos are a better Potato

    January 14, 2011 at 2:44 am | Report abuse |
  14. chrissy

    well poof ur a potato now go lay down by ur dish

    January 14, 2011 at 2:48 am | Report abuse |
  15. Mr. Potato Head

    What? You dont like Idaho potatos? What did a Idaho potato ever do to you?

    January 14, 2011 at 3:13 am | Report abuse |
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