An Algerian illegal immigration network dismantled between Spain and Toulouse
By Lucie Fraisse
Published on
The Border Police (PAF) of Toulouse has just dismantled an alleged network illegal immigration. Nine people, all Algerian, are suspected of allowing irregular compatriots to rally Toulouse.
More than 150 illegal crossings
The case began at the end of July 2021, following the arrest of a smuggler by customs in Cierp-Gaud (Haute-Garonne). The investigation carried out in the wake of this arrest by the Toulouse PAF had made it possible to identify an Algerian in his forties residing in Lerida, Spain, suspected of organizing the passage of many Maghrebi migrants in an irregular situation.
More 150 illegal crossings of the border took place between August 2021 and September 2022with groups ranging from 2 to 6 people.
Between 300 and 700 euros the passage
The smugglers invoiced their services between 300 and 700 euros per passengera decreasing rate was practiced according to the number of people transported.
The forties supervised the activity of 5 to 6 smugglers who took charge of the migrants in Lerida before joining Toulouse by road. They then dropped off their traveling companions at the station. They could also be housed while waiting to be looked after by their families.
Of the Toulouse accomplices were responsible for organizing, hosting and recovering the earnings of these passages.
Arrests in Haute-Garonne
A very organized network, mobile and suspicious, in perpetual travel abroad, complicating the work of the police. In the end, it is the return to France of the Algerian forties September 27, 2022 which led to a series of arrests. Nine people were thus arrested or taken out of prison in different places in the Upper Garonne.
The police also seized false Spanish documents, smartphones, 1,800 euros in cash and two vehicles.
The nine arrested were taken into custody. Five of them were placed in custody. Two men who were already imprisoned for separate acts will soon be indicted. Two other people who are abroad will be subject to arrest warrants.
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