Italian police launched an operation against an allegedly criminal organisation in Naples on Wednesday, arresting 14 people. One of the suspects was taken to jail, two were placed on house arrest, and 11 were placed under mandatory residence orders.

The charges against the suspects include conspiracy to commit a crime aimed at facilitating undocumented migration, as well as forgery and corruption.

Sold fake documents to migrants

In exchange for money, the suspects allegedly provided false documents to migrants so that they could obtain stay permits for Italy, and therefore for the entire Schengen territory. The migrants reportedly hailed from several different countries, including Pakistan, India, Tunisia, Morrocco, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Russia.

The suspects include Italian, Afghan and Pakistani citizens.

Three of the 36 people under investigation in the case are members of law enforcement, according to investigators.

City employee among suspects

Among the suspects arrested was an employee of the City of Naples, 65-year-old Pasquale A., who worked in issuing and renewing ID cards, residence certificates and family status certificates.

According to investigators, the organization's headquarters was an internet cafe, which authorities seized. The business was owned by a Pakistani national named Iqbal N., whom investigators believe to be one of the heads of the organization. He was taken into police custody. The man police believe to be the other leader of the group, Lahoussine C., a Moroccan citizen, was placed under house arrest.

Investigators believe that the organisation's activities extended beyond Italian borders: They allegedly also sold fake papers to people living in Belgium and France.