(ANSA) - TRIESTE, OCT 24 - Europol-coordinated law
enforcement authorities in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
apprehended 16 migrant smugglers, the agency announced today.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for at least 12
incidents in which 159 migrants were smuggled across the Sava
River from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia.
Using overcrowded boats, the suspects willingly endangered
the migrants' lives and safety. After crossing the river, the
migrants were clandestinely transported in a variety of
vehicles. The criminals would hide the migrants in passenger
cars or cargo areas of transport vehicles and drive them to
Slovenia, Italy, Germany, and other EU countries. Europol
estimated that the criminals made at least EUR 80,000 from their
activities. (ANSA).
16 smugglers arrested in Croatia and Bosnia
They were transporting migrants across the Sava River