Combating migrant smuggling: 28 individuals brought before the prosecutor following a large-scale national operation

The National Division for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Related Practices (DNLT) conducted a series of operations across the national territory, resulting in 28 individuals being brought before the public prosecutor for various offenses related in particular to migrant smuggling by sea, attempted illegal emigration and fraud.

In total, nine separate cases were dealt with as part of these interventions, which notably concerned Saint-Louis, Karang and the central services of the DNLT.

In Saint-Louis, several operations have led to the arraignment of individuals suspected of involvement in migrant smuggling networks by sea. On October 19, 2026, three people were brought before the prosecutor in the first case, while two others were arraigned in a second case. Two days later, on October 21, 2026, four individuals were arraigned in a new case for conspiracy, migrant smuggling by sea, and complicity. Another case conducted in the same locality also resulted in the arraignment of one individual.

The investigations conducted directly by the DNLT (National Directorate for the Fight Against Trafficking in Human Beings) have resulted in several legal proceedings. Six individuals were brought before the court on charges of criminal conspiracy, attempted migrant smuggling by sea, endangering the lives of others, and complicity. In another case involving similar offenses, five people were brought before the public prosecutor. A third proceeding led to the referral of four individuals charged with criminal conspiracy, attempted migrant smuggling by sea, fraud, and complicity.

Further arrests were made in Saint-Louis, where three individuals were brought before a judge on suspicion of criminal conspiracy, attempted migrant smuggling by sea, and fraud. The case also involves offenses related to the use, possession, and trafficking of marijuana, as well as complicity in such activities.

In Karang, a final procedure resulted in the referral of an individual prosecuted for attempted migrant smuggling by sea, fraud and complicity.

Through these nine cases, the DNLT is continuing its actions against networks involved in migrant smuggling and related practices. The charges against the individuals brought before the court will now be examined by the competent judicial authorities.