loading

Messages are loaded...

Couple arrested in Dresden for suspected smuggling of over 87 people

The couple is said to have organized the smuggling of at least 87 people. (Symbolic image) / Photo: Sebastian Kahnert/dpa
The couple is said to have organized the smuggling of at least 87 people. (Symbolic image) / Photo: Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

A couple is said to have made money for months by organizing smuggling operations to Germany. However, they were not actively involved in the tours.

A couple living in Dresden is said to have organized over a dozen smuggling operations into Germany since November 2022. The 36-year-old and the 38-year-old were arrested in the Saxon state capital on Wednesday on the basis of existing arrest warrants. The Dresden public prosecutor's office and the federal police are investigating them on suspicion of gang and commercial smuggling of foreigners. The suspects, two rejected and tolerated asylum seekers from Lebanon, are in custody.

Travel of at least 87 people mostly from Syria via Belarus and Poland

According to the authorities, the man is suspected of organizing 15 smuggling operations involving at least 87 mainly Syrian nationals to Germany, in four of which the woman is said to have been involved as an accomplice. Both had organized the trips mainly via Belarus and Poland and collected a total of 390,000 euros. They did not take any action themselves.

During the search of their shared apartment in Dresden, various items of evidence such as electronic storage media and smartphones were found and are being analyzed. They also seized 7,300 euros in cash, a vehicle worth around 15,000 euros as well as watches and gold jewelry. 55 officers from the federal police were involved in the operation.

Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved

🤖 The translations are automated using AI. We appreciate your feedback and help in improving our multilingual service. Write to us at: language@diesachsen.com. 🤖