
262 arrests in operation targeting migrant smuggling across the Mediterranean
Interpol
LYON, France – An international operation targeting criminal organizations involved in migrant smuggling across the Mediterranean Sea and the West African Atlantic route has resulted in 262 arrests and 434 new investigations. Operation Communis Maris (5 – 8 October 2026) also identified 109 potential victims of human trafficking and detected 1,715 irregular migrants. Of the 262 suspects arrested, 221 are accused of migrant smuggling offences, 16 of human trafficking and 25 of other crimes, including the production and use of fraudulent documents.





