The Investigation and Arrest Office, which operates under the Agency for Combating Illegal Migration in Benghazi, successfully thwarted a major smuggling operation intended to move 19 illegal migrants, of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationality, to Europe via the Libyan coast. The individuals were apprehended inside a house in the Shbena area, which was being used as a staging point before their departure.
In a key development, security agencies detained a Bangladeshi national identified as the main coordinator of the smuggling network. This individual was responsible for assembling the migrants and facilitating all stages of their illicit journey. Extensive investigations are currently underway with the detainees to unmask all parties and associated networks involved in these illegal activities.
The operation was launched following confirmed intelligence received by the Investigation Office regarding the suspicious property. The location was immediately placed under surveillance and monitored in the field to verify the report, culminating in a successful raid that captured the migrants just as they were preparing to commence their journey.
In a related context, highlighting effective security coordination, a security audit conducted by the Security Information Office, in partnership with the Al-Wahat Security Directorate, revealed that two of the apprehended migrants were wanted in connection with a kidnapping case registered with the Al-Wahat Security Directorate. The investigations department affirmed that the rapid collaboration between security and media intelligence agencies played a crucial role in expediting information exchange and verifying identities, leading to the prompt arrest of the wanted individuals.
Inquiries with all the accused are ongoing before they are referred to the relevant judicial authorities for legal action in accordance with prevailing state legislation.
