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Home NATIONAL87 Iraqis trafficked into Finland
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Thu, 10 Nov, 2016 12:10:11 AM
FTimes – STT Report, Nov 10

 

At least 87 Iraqis smuggled into Finland have arrived at the Tornio refugee centre, suspected the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

There are a total of seven suspects in the case, four of whom are in custody.

“The suspects are all Iraqis,” said the investigation leader, Police Inspector Ari Soronen of the NBI Oulu unit.

The trafficking route, according to the police, passed through Turkey and Greece. The smuggled refugees crossed Haparanda, Sweden and Tornio.

“The journey through the central Europe had various routes,” said Soronen.

Those smuggled into Finland also came from Iraq. The group includes both families and single men.

The police describe the journey from Turkey to Greece across the sea as very dangerous.

The Iraqis were brought across the sea in cramped and, in some cases, poor quality boats. On one of these trips, several boats sank.

“During the trip, one child under two years of age drowned,” said Soronen.

According to the police, the investigation revealed that the trafficking gang threatened the refugees with violence.

Moreover, many of them had their passports taken, which were returned only after paying more money.

The smuggled refugees were forced by the police to pay 6,000 to 8,000 US dollars (5,500 to 7,300 euros) per person.

The criminal profit, according to Soronen, stands at around 500,000 to 600,000 euros.
 

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