Italian Police Dismantle Migrant Smuggling Network Linking Algeria, Sardinia, France

Italian authorities have dismantled an irregular migration network active across Algeria, southern Sardinia, and France. Eight Algerian nationals have been placed in pre-trial detention on suspicion of involvement in the operation, according to an official statement from Italian police.

Among those arrested in Sardinia were three smugglers and a man identified by Italian police in Cagliari as the suspected leader of the criminal organization. The information was provided to Agence France-Presse (AFP) by the Cagliari police unit.

Five Confirmed Illegal Crossings

A joint investigation launched in February by Cagliari police and the local anti-mafia unit uncovered details of at least five unauthorized maritime crossings originating from the Algerian city of El Kala and bound for southern Sardinia’s coastline.

Each of the five voyages took place aboard small motorized boats capable of carrying 10 to 12 migrants. Collectively, these trips enabled the network to transport between 50 and 60 individuals—predominantly Algerian, with some Tunisians—to Italian territory.

Suspected Ringleader and Operational Structure

Authorities identified an Algerian national residing in Cagliari, southern Sardinia, as the alleged head of the network. He is described as a recently arrived asylum seeker. The organization operated across three geographic nodes: El Kala in Algeria, Cagliari in Sardinia, and Marseille in southern France.

Police stated that the suspect is believed to have coordinated migrant and smuggler recruitment in Algeria, collected fees required for passage, and organized illegal sea journeys to Sardinia using high-risk vessels. He is also suspected of involvement in alleged corruption with local officials to facilitate the network’s activities.

According to the official statement, Algeria served as the hub for recruiting migrants, preparing departures, and handling logistical arrangements for the voyages. Sardinia functioned as the reception point, where forged documents were produced and operational support provided to partners. One of the network’s principal financiers operated out of the Marseille area.

Operation “Phantom” and Planned Expansion

The operation was codenamed “Phantom”, referencing the network’s acquisition of powerful motorized rubber dinghies designed for speed. These vessels were intended to establish what authorities described as a “new and more profitable route for human trafficking” between the Tunisian island of Galite and the coasts of Sardinia.

Had this plan been implemented, the network would have increased the frequency of its crossings—and thereby its profits—police said. Each migrant was expected to pay approximately 2,500 euros to reach Italian soil.