Security officials believe 90 per cent of all human smuggling to Europe takes place with the help of criminal groups. That percentage is expected to increase as the lucrative smuggling routes draws more criminal elements looking to make a profit.
The smugglers are part of a multinational network – and they are as diverse as the very people fleeing conflict, persecution and economic crisis: Smugglers belong to 100 nationalities, often sharing the same country origins as those desperate to get to Europe.
Smugglers are no strangers to criminal activity – and the increasing demand for their services is drawing those already involved with other areas of crime, including drug trafficking, property crime and document forging.
Smuggling networks have a loose structure: Leaders who co-ordinate and control activities along the main routes; organizers who take charge in towns and cities where migrants are transiting and staying; and low-level facilitators that include drivers, scouts and recruiters who promise safe passage for the right price.
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