Europol, Interpol Discuss Steps to Improve Response to People Smuggling

An operational forum on countering migrant smuggling networks brings together participants from some 50 source, transit and destination countries affected by irregular migration flows, Europol has announced.

Representatives from international and regional organisations and the private sector also take part in the two-day meeting at Interpol General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon, France on Thursday and Friday.

Developing a coordinated and effective law enforcement response against the organized criminal networks behind people smuggling is the focus of the forum. The meeting will also review the links between people smuggling, human trafficking and other crimes involving illicit money flows, corruption and the use of fraudulent travel documents. It aims to build an international platform coordinating criminal analysis, training and operations against people smuggling, Europol said in a press release.

Wil van Gemert, Deputy Director of Operations at Europol, said: "The unparalleled increase in the number of migrants and refugees attempting to enter Europe has led to an unprecedented scale of criminal activity. As the challenge is complex and multi-dimensional, our response also needs to be."

Van Gemert added that with the challenge going beyond EU borders, Europol's partnership with Interpol is crucial as Interpol can significantly facilitate the exchange of information between source and transit countries, and make sure the information relevant for law enforcement is shared quickly.