Algerian authorities on Monday arrested 18 Moroccan nationals in the city of Oran over their alleged involvement in what officials described as an international criminal network linked to illegal migration.
The Algerian newspaper El Khabar reported that officers from the Oran Province’s Research and Intervention Brigade had dismantled an organised criminal network operating across international borders during an operation carried out last week.
According to a statement from Algeria’s General Directorate of National Security, 23 people were arrested, including 18 Moroccan nationals. The network is accused of organising illegal sea crossings for migrants.
The statement said the operation, conducted under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor, enabled investigators to uncover the network’s methods of gathering and transporting migrants. Five alleged organisers of these illegal trips were arrested, while officers raided a property used to accommodate prospective migrants and detained the 18 Moroccan nationals.
Authorities also seized €1,600, 240 Moroccan dirhams and four vehicles of various types that were allegedly used in the criminal scheme.
The suspects have been referred to the public prosecutor at Fellaoucene Court, according to the statement.
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