On March 16, the judge for the preliminary investigation (GIP) issued three precautionary orders, following the request of the Palermo DDA, against three Tunisians accused of criminal association aimed at aiding and abetting clandestine migration, with the aggravating factor of cross-national involvement.

These measures were carried out by the agents of the mobile squad who had been conducting investigations under the central operational center of the State Police, leading to the arrest of ten individuals on February 21, comprising six Italians and four Tunisians.

These people were investigated for the creation of cells, in Italy and Tunisia, to transfer migrants guaranteeing "VIP travel" standards.

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The characteristics of the proposed trips, 3 of the accused men are already in prison

The proposed journeys, for which three of the accused are already held in prison, involved clandestine crossings facilitated by robust and fast swimmers, who were paid sums ranging from 3 to 6 thousand euros. The operation offered more expensive trips catering to a minimal number of migrants, never above 20 persons, in optimal weather conditions, on dinghies with powerful engines.

Furthermore, the organizers assured Tunisians interested in crossing a rapid and safe trip, guaranteeing they would not be intercepted by military ships.

The trio apprehended over the weekend, two of whom were residing irregularly in Italy, were already in custody since their arrest during the course of this investigation.

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The role of the three persons arrested, two alleged smugglers

The roles of the three arrested individuals include two alleged smugglers implicated in two separate incidents involving ghost boat arrivals: on June 29, one of the accused attempted to flee by sea after offloading 14 migrants upon sighting the police, but was hindered by engine failure; on August 14, investigators intercepted a dinghy off the coast of the Sicilian isle of Favignana.

The third person arrested instead is believed to be the one who was in charge of recruiting the Tunisian smugglers. During the operation, an additional three people from Marsala (Trapani) were placed under precautionary measures with the obligation of appearing before the judicial police, these men were providing logistic support to the criminal group under investigation.

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