The Italian authorities arrested nine Pakistani nationals last week on suspicion of smuggling migrants along the Balkan road.
According to Italian media, the arrests came after Tuscany’s Siena Flying Squad exposed an organization allegedly dedicated to assisting illegal migration along the Balkan route.
According to the Italian news agency Ansa, all of those seized face charges relating to coordinating the illegal entry of multiple fellow citizens, as well as allegations of robbery, injury, and attempted extortion.
READ MORE: At least 30 migrants missing in shipwrecks off Italy
The investigations began last year on March 19, following a case in which two Pakistani citizens were beaten by various individuals alleged to be members of the criminal organization.
The individuals helped illegal migrants along a section of the Balkan route in Italy in exchange for a considerable sum of money.
The suspects allegedly obtained the money from a currency exchange business manager in Athens on behalf of individuals linked to a criminal network based in Siena but with logistical centers in Greece and Bosnia.
According to reports, one of the immigrants was apprehended at an apartment in Siena by three compatriots over an alleged debt of €2000.
In addition, authorities discovered numerous other unauthorized Pakistani nationals in the province of Siena.
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