Migrant trafficking: several suspects brought before the Ziguinchor prosecutor's office

The Ziguinchor regional branch of the National Division for the Fight against Migrant Smuggling and Related Practices (DNLT) referred several individuals suspected of being involved in a migrant smuggling network operating between Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau to the prosecutor's office on September 24, 2026.

The accused are being prosecuted in particular for criminal association, attempted migrant smuggling by sea, complicity, endangering the lives of others and organized fraud.

According to the elements of the investigation, the DNLT of Ziguinchor had received information indicating the preparation of a clandestine trip to the Canary Islands, with a planned departure on September 17, 2026 from Kafountine, before a transit through Gambia.

The investigation uncovered a suspected structured and transnational network, whose main organizers are believed to be from the same family. Each participant had to pay 400,000 FCFA to take part in the trip. Nearly 190 candidates, mainly from Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal, were reportedly identified.

Among them, about 140 were gathered in an apartment in Bara, Gambia, while the others were to travel to Kafountine before their transfer to Gambia.

In response to this information, investigators placed the pirogue intended for the crossing under surveillance, while it was moored at the Kafountine fishing quay, with the assistance of members of the High Authority in charge of the Coordination of Maritime Security, Maritime Safety and the Protection of the Marine Environment (HASSMAR).

On September 17, four captains were intercepted while attempting, according to investigators, to discreetly transport the pirogue to Gambia. An outboard motor and seven 60-liter jerrycans of fuel, totaling 420 liters, were seized.

The following day, September 18, HASSMAR officers intercepted three more individuals aboard the vessel. During questioning, these individuals reportedly confirmed several details gathered by investigators. Two of them allegedly admitted to having boarded the boat with the intention of illegally seizing it.

A network active since 2023

The investigations also revealed that the alleged network had been active since 2023 and had already organized several irregular migration operations.

In 2025, an operation originating in Guinea-Bissau reportedly brought in 205 candidates. Another attempt, organized in Gambia in August 2026, failed.

The project prepared in Kafountine was therefore a new operation intended in particular to transport candidates already identified during the aborted attempt in August.

The investigation continues to identify all members of the network, determine the exact role of each suspect and find the main organizers, who are currently on the run.