An organised crime gang smuggling migrants into Europe has been closed after a police investigation.
It’s thought the “well established” criminals have been running since 2017 throughout the EU and Middle East.
The network was also involved smuggling drugs and weapons.
Law officers searched 13 homes and businesses and arrested 15 people across nine countries.
More than €500,000 in cash was found alongside speed boats, drugs, 42 cell phones and six vehicles.
A Europol spokesperson said:
“The criminal network, led by a Syrian suspect, benefited from a widespread infrastructure in the countries along the route, mainly Lebanon, Sudan, Libya and Algeria.
“The suspects arranged for the smuggling of at least 200 migrants through the rarely used migration route from Syria through Sudan or the United Arab Emirates.
“In Libya, the smugglers used corrupt officials to facilitate the transfer to Algeria, from where the migrants were transported to Spain on high-speed boats.
“In Europe, members of the criminal network based in Belgium, Germany, and Spain co-ordinated the sea crossings and facilitated the secondary movements to the destination countries.
“The suspects charged between EUR 7,000 and EUR 20,000 per person for the trip.
“The criminal network helped the entire logistics of the journey, including transport, paperwork in some countries, flight tickets and accommodation along the route.
“The ‘VIP service’, which costs up to EUR 20,000, included special extras such as a transfer from the arrival point on the Spanish mainland as well as accommodation in Spain.
“The criminal network implemented stringent security measures to ensure the successful outcome of its illegal operations.
“The suspects had placed physical and video surveillance at several clandestine points along the coast where the irregular migrants were expected to be brought.