Salerno – Three alleged traffickers were stopped in Salerno after the landing of 108 migrants happened yesterday from Humanitarian ship Aita Mari, managed by the organization Humanitarian Maritime Rescue.
These are three Egyptian citizens, of 24, 21 and 40 years, identified thanks to the joint investigations by the Flying Squad of the Salerno Police Headquarters and the Guardia di FinanzaThe arrest is now being examined by the judge for validation.
According to investigators, the three are responsible for running the punt protagonist of first rescue carried out in the Mediterranean. The migrants, rescued in two different SAR (search and rescue) operations, provided useful elements during auditions, contributing decisively to the identification of the alleged traffickers.
Il Police Chief of Salerno, Giancarlo Conticchio, explained: "Yesterday we activated a well-tested machine to provide first aid and assistance. The priority is to guarantee the health conditions of migrants, but then there is also the criminal aspect, that of identifying those who exploit them to bring them to Italy".
According to what has emerged, the people on board would have paid up to 3.000 euros to face the journey to Europe, in addition to suffering violence and abuse in the countries of departure. "Our thoughts go to them - added the police commissioner - to the women and to all the people who have been abused and exploited. We are carefully evaluating any testimonies of violence suffered before departure, a delicate subject that victims often find hard to talk about. However, thanks to the cultural mediators, some elements have emerged".
Migrants who have cooperated with the authorities are now being subjected to a accelerated procedure for issuing a long-term residence permit, in recognition of their assistance in the investigation.
Article published on 8 April 2025 - 16:07
It is a very complicated topic, that of migrants and their situation. We hope that the authorities can do their job properly and that the people involved do not suffer further harm. Justice must prevail.