Category: Maritime

Global Raids Rescue 3,200 Potential Victims of Trafficking and Identify 17,800 Irregular Migrants

INTERPOL released preliminary results of its largest-ever operation against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, carried out across 116 countries and territories.

Operation Liberterra II (29 September to 4 October) led to the rescue of 3,222 potential victims of human trafficking and identified 17,793 irregular migrants.

Authorities around the world conducted police raids, reinforced strategic border points, monitored nearly 24,000 flights and deployed officers to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots. Globally, nearly 8 million checks were carried out against INTERPOL’s databases.

A total of 2,517 arrests were made during the week – 850 of which were specifically on human trafficking or migrant smuggling charges.

Operational coordination units were set up in Argentina, Senegal, the Philippines and North Macedonia to assess intelligence and facilitate cooperation between countries within their respective regions and beyond. The operation also saw an unprecedented level of support from 15 specialized units from INTERPOL’s General Secretariat, partner organizations, national agencies and NGOs.

“In their relentless pursuit of profit, organized crime groups continue to exploit men, women and children —often multiple times over. While still preliminary, the results of this operation highlight the vast scale of the challenge facing law enforcement, underscoring that only coordinated action can counteract these threats,” INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said.

INTERPOL’s executive director of police services, Stephen Kavanagh said: “Beyond providing a snapshot of global trafficking and migration trends, the operation served as a vital capacity building opportunity for countries, fostering relationships between specialized units, and enhancing cross-agency collaboration.”

Trafficking-fueled fraud

The week-long operation uncovered dozens of cases in which trafficking victims were deceived and coerced into committing fraud, marking a clear departure from traditional trafficking patterns, where human exploitation is the sole criminal objective.

Targeting online scam centers using human trafficking victims has been an operational priority since INTERPOL issued an Orange Notice warning its membership of this growing and globalizing trend. In many of these cases victims are lured with false promises of employment and are kept there through intimidation and abuse.

In the Philippines, for example, officers raided a warehouse where more than 250 people, mostly Chinese nationals, were running romance scams on an industrial scale. Officers are now combing through seized devices and carrying out interviews to separate the potential victims of trafficking from members of the criminal enterprise.

On the other side of the world, in West and Central Africa, officers uncovered eight separate cases, involving multiple victims forced into exploitative pyramid schemes. Once recruited, they were transported across borders and held against their will, often suffering physical and psychological abuse.

In one instance, 24 Togolese victims were safeguarded in Mali. The women had been promised employment in locations as far away as North America, but instead, they were charged “recruitment fees” of up to USD 6,000 to operate a multi-level marketing scheme. They were then forced to target family and friends to join as well. So far, 10 arrests have been made.

Polycriminal groups: drugs, cash and weapons

Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are increasingly linked to other forms of crime, often using the same criminal networks and routes. This overlap amplifies profits and power for organized crime groups, making enforcement more complex. The need for a whole-of-crime approach was evident throughout the operation week.

In Brazil, an earlier drug trafficking investigation uncovered a migrant smuggling operation led by the same criminal group. That investigation led them to the arrest of a city council candidate and his associate for smuggling 70 migrants into the United States. In the process, they seized USD 750,000 linked to the operation.

Serbian police arrested 12 suspects linked to two organized criminal groups which facilitated the journeys of at least 178 irregular migrants through Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Police also seized cash, firearms and drugs.

Chilean and Paraguayan authorities worked together to break up a polycriminal group involved in migrant smuggling, human trafficking and money laundering. The group allegedly transported victims into Chile, where they were taken to different cities for sexual exploitation. Four suspects were arrested and 23 victims were rescued and supported.

Additional cases:

  • In Argentina, authorities rescued 59 human trafficking victims, including 14 minors, who were forced to work on fruit and vegetable farms. Officials seized shotguns, pistols, ammunition and USD 200,000 in cash.
  • Seven suspects were arrested in Algeria on money laundering charges in connection with organizing migrant smuggling. The operation resulted in the seizure of 320,000 dinars (USD 2,400) and several cell phones.

Human trafficking: A global phenomenon

Following raids on houses, businesses and nightclubs in North Macedonia, 13 suspects were arrested on charges of human trafficking, drug trafficking and money laundering. The 32 potential victims identified during the raids – all women – were mostly from abroad, including Albania, Colombia, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine.

Additional cases:

  • In Costa Rica, the female leader of a sect was arrested on suspicion of forced labour, child exploitation, emotional and physical abuse. Those recruited were made to take vows of poverty and silence, while top members lived a life of luxury, with high-end vehicles and multiple properties.
  • In Syria, authorities identified a group of doctors suspected of organ trafficking.
  • In Iraq, 25 people were arrested in connection with a trafficking ring involved in forced begging.
  • Ethiopian national authorities arrested a 26-year-old man for recruiting seven victims into domestic servitude in the Middle East, where they were held for weeks, mistreated and starved.

Migrant smuggling: Exploiting the desire for a better life

Analysis of migrant flows is ongoing, but of note was the increasing number of Asian migrants, particularly Vietnamese, detected in the Americas during the operational week. Venezuelan nationals, however, remain the largest group of irregular migrants reported by participating countries, with most migrating to North and South America.

Tunisian authorities intercepted 27 individuals, including 21 minors, attempting to travel to the United Kingdom under the pretense of a language study trip. Coordination with INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Manchester helped identify three suspects in the UK, who have now been referred for prosecution on smuggling charges.

In Kenya, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit arrested two suspects accused of exploiting Ethiopian migrants, uncovering around 100 victims confined in a four-bedroom house. The victims reported being beaten and coerced into contacting family members for money.

Additional cases:

  • UK authorities located and identified a Syrian man wanted by Romania for illegally transporting migrants from Bulgaria to Romania, for onward travel to the Netherlands.
  • In Türkiye, authorities detected and safeguarded approximately 1,500 irregular migrants, arresting 94 suspected smugglers.
  • Authorities in Montenegro arrested 11 members of an organized group suspected of smuggling 350 migrants from Asia into the European Union. Police recovered cash, phones, vehicles, asylum documents and foreign passports.

Focus on sustainable partnerships and cooperation

The operation sought to ensure the widest possible participation and ensure long-term investigative capacity. It was supported by 11 projects which are funded by:

  • The European Commission
  • The European Union
  • Global Affairs Canada
  • The United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
  • The German Federal Foreign Office
  • The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Throughout the week, participating countries were able to directly benefit from the expertise, resources, and coordinated actions of specialized projects and international organizations. Additional support was provided by:

  • Afripol
  • CARICOM IMPACS
  • Europol
  • EU4FAST
  • Frontex
  • International Organization for Migration
  • The Regional Support Office of the Bali Process
  • ROCK (Regional Operational Center in Khartoum in support of the Khartoum Process and AU-Horn of Africa initiative)
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Savox Displays the Future of Safe and Secure Comms at PMRExpo 2024

The Savox stand at PMRExpo 2024 in Cologne showcases a wide array of innovative and proven communication controllers, mission-critical broadband products, hearing protective headsets, and wireless team communication solutions.

“Our philosophy centers on understanding professionals, their challenges, and overcoming obstacles. We prioritize delivering audio solutions that ensure clear communication, protect specialists—an organization’s most valuable asset—and empower them to perform at their best, regardless of the task or conditions,” said Teppo Parviainen, sales director.

Applying some of the latest advances in Bluetooth technology, as well as solving common challenges regarding, for example, audio clarity, integration, and versatility, Savox brings to Cologne major releases and updates to our proven line-up of secure communication products and solutions.

C-C200 Push-to-talk unit

Sleek in design, while being the most robust PTT nexus-connector in the market, the C-C200 provides a new level of safety and reliability, as well as innovative usage features. Its compact form fits easily on all workwear and tool vests, the wide variety of clip-on fixtures, silent stealth feature, and safe PTT button take functionality to a new level.

Pack-COM wireless team comms system

A unique wireless team communication system with encrypted full-duplex functionality. The portable base station creates a secure mid-range communication bubble allowing for a wide range of radio capabilities to be integrated into the system.

LIVECONNECT 200 body camera

This rugged high-definition wearable bodycam’s innovative features allow users to fully leverage the data and video capabilities of modern broadband networks and terminals, enabling seamless video streaming and video call between front-line workers and teams leads, command centers, and control rooms.

NOISE-COM 300 hearing protector

Specifically designed and built for safety and clarity in tough conditions, the NC-300 works with most available two-way radios. Crafted with high-quality components and sealed electronics, a built-in PTT button, and advanced noise cancellation microphone with extended battery-free performance in the noisiest of industrial environments.

New Zealand Navy Crew Blamed for Sinking Ship

A New Zealand Defence Force Court of Inquiry found that the Royal New Zealand Navy hydrographic dive and survey ship HMNZS Manawanui (A09) to run aground and sink was caused by crew error caused.

The Royal New Zealand Navy ship grounded on a reef on the southern side of Samoa, on Saturday, October 5, 2024 while conducting survey operations.

Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding stood up a Court of Inquiry following the incident in order to understand the facts of what occurred.

“The direct cause of the grounding has been determined as a series of human errors which meant the ship’s autopilot was not disengaged when it should have been,” Rear Admiral Golding said.

“The crew did not realise Manawanui remained in autopilot and, as a consequence, mistakenly believed its failure to respond to direction changes was the result of a thruster control failure.

“Having mistakenly assessed a thruster control failure, standard procedures should have prompted ship’s crew to check that the ship was under manual control rather than in autopilot. This check did not occur. Remaining in autopilot resulted in the ship maintaining a course toward land, until grounding and eventually stranding.”

Rear Admiral Golding said why it happened and what would come next in terms of lessons learned were still being worked on as part of the wider Court of Inquiry, which was expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year.

Rear Admiral Golding said given human error was identified as the cause, a separate disciplinary process would need to be commenced once the Court of Inquiry had concluded.

As well as the primary cause, there were also a number of identified contributing factors leading to the ship’s grounding, which will be considered in more detail during phase two of the Court of Inquiry.

“To provide some immediate assurance, we have conducted a series of audits in the Fleet and looked to implement initial lessons identified from the interim report around training, risk management, and improving relevant orders, instructions and procedures” he said. 

Rear Admiral Golding said he was grateful for the support from the Transport Accident Investigation Committee, the Royal Australian Navy, and Royal New Zealand Air Force for their support to the Court of Inquiry investigation, which used evidence collected through interviews with the crew, expert witnesses and data from the ship’s recordings to find the primary cause.

The New Zealand Defence Force remains thankful for Samoa’s ongoing support regarding the situation, and is committed to working alongside Samoan authorities on the response, he said.

“I want to reassure the public of New Zealand that we will learn from this situation and that it is on me, as the Chief of Navy, to earn back your trust.

“We have incredible people within our Defence Force who answer the call to serve every day. Much of their work is risky and involves decisions that can mean life or death. No one turns up to work to have a bad day.

“In this situation, we thankfully did not lose any lives but lives have been affected nonetheless, and we continue to support and work closely with those who were onboard Manawanui on that day.”

Timeline:

  • On Saturday 5 October 2024, HMNZS Manawanui was conducting survey operations on the southern side of Apia, Samoa in a strong breeze of up to 25 knots and moderate swell.
  •  The survey was conducted in a box-shaped area, running east to west in survey lanes that start on the outside, working inwards.
  • At about 6.15pm, the ship’s crew attempted a routine turn to starboard, initially to a course of 340 degrees, within the survey area, as part of a turn. The crew attempted to turn off the 340 degree course to starboard towards an easterly course but the ship did not respond as intended.
  • Shortly after, Manawanui left the approved survey area, and in an effort to stop the ship, the crew conducted further actions that they believed should have resulted in the ship essentially braking.
  • Manawanui did not slow or stop, and instead the ship started to accelerate towards the reef, grounding for the first time at or about 6.17pm at a speed of more than 10 knots.
  • The ship then travelled around 635 metres (700 yards) before becoming stranded, grounding multiple times along the way.
  • Full control of Manawanui’s propulsion system was not regained until 10 minutes later, at 6.27pm, when the ship’s autopilot was disengaged. The inability to turn the ship to an easterly direction from the 340 degree course and stop the ship is attributed to the ship being in autopilot mode.
  •  Unsuccessful attempts were then made to manoeuvre the ship off the reef.
  • Manawanui was brought to emergency stations after the grounding, and searches were conducted to check for damage.
  • No damage or flooding was detected inside the ship. However, stability assessments made after the grounding indicated Manawanui was no longer stable.
  • At approximately 6.46pm, about 30 minutes after the initial grounding, the decision was made to abandon ship.
  • The timeliness of the decision to abandon ship and to keep Manawanui’s generators running contributed to the successful abandonment process and likely prevented serious injuries or death.
  • The ship suffered a series of catastrophic fires after being abandoned, before capsizing and sinking on the morning of Sunday 6 October.

Boat Capsizes in the River Niger Killing 27, Possibly More

According to local authorities, at least 27 people died when a boat capsized on the Niger River in central Nigeria.

The boat was carrying about 200 passengers going to a food market in the nearby state of Niger when it capsized late on Thursday, November 29. About half were reported missing, according to Ibrahim Audu, a spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.

The boat had left Kogi state and was traveling along the river in northern Nigeria when it capsized but it is unclear what caused the sinking. Some reports say the boat was overloaded. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo that most of the victims were women, traders and artisans “involved in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the economy of the state,” said in a statement.

MVA Launches App for Businesses to Accept Mobile IDs for Age Verification

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) launched Mobile ID Check by MD, a free, new app that provides a secure and convenient way for businesses to accept mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards for in-person age verification — all on their mobile device, with no additional hardware required. Businesses have already begun to leverage these apps within Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport for age verification for the purchases of alcoholic beverages.

To get started with mobile ID acceptance, businesses can download the Mobile ID Check by MD app, developed by the MVA’s Information Technology team and built using international standards. Mobile ID Check by MD is available for download on the Apple App Store and from Google Play. The technology allows for the acceptance of any state-issued Mobile ID or ID card. 

“The MVA continues to be a leader in developing and implementing mobile driver’s licenses by not only offering secure options for our customers, but also developing cost-effective tools for businesses to access this important identity verification tool,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “I am so proud of our team for creating an opportunity for businesses to securely interact with the many Marylanders who have already started using their mobile driver’s licenses. By increasing locations where mDLs can be accepted, we’re encouraging more Marylanders to take advantage of not only the convenience, but the security and privacy that mobile driver’s licenses offer.” 

Customers traveling through BWI Marshall Airport will now be able to present their mobile driver’s licenses for age verification of purchases of alcoholic beverages at the following locations: Flying Dog Tap House, Firkin & Flyer, Obrycki’s, R&R Seafood Bar A, R&R Seafood Bar D/E, La Cocina Mexicana, and Brix & Vine. The MVA has partnered with the Anne Arundel County Liquor Board, BWI Marshall Airport, concessions management company Fraport USA and HMSHost, which operates dining venues at BWI Marshall Airport to launch this initial phase of the mobile ID check program.  

“Maryland and BWI Marshall Airport continue to lead the way with mobile driver’s license technology,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We’re excited to partner with the MVA and our restaurant partners to offer travelers a convenient, efficient way to verify age when purchasing alcohol.” 

“The Anne Arundel County Liquor Board is encouraged with the technological promise offered by the MVA’s mobile digital license initiative at BWI Airport, and we look forward to bringing more secure ways for mobile ID acceptance to even more businesses,” said Wayne B. Harris, Chairman, Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County.

Participating retailers using the Mobile ID Check by MD app will only be provided the required information necessary for age verification, such as a customer’s age and ID photo. Mobile ID Check by MD app accepts ISO18013-5-compliant mobile driver’s licenses, which follow an industry standard that sets clear guidelines around protecting consumers’ privacy. For more information on Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone, see here. For more information on the Android solution see here. 

The MVA continues to seek new opportunities for businesses and organizations to accept mobile driver’s licenses by collaborating with the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and 15 technology providers and industry experts including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, Microsoft, the Department of Homeland Security and US Bank. The participants will share guidance and best practices for accurate identity verification with online transactions, financial institutions, healthcare providers and other organizations.   

Customers can continue to present their Maryland Mobile ID at select Transportation Security Administration airport checkpoints, including at BWI Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.  

The MVA offers mobile identification to all Maryland residents through Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Maryland Mobile ID serves as a companion to a physical driver’s license or ID. Marylanders should continue to carry their physical driver’s license or ID.

Yacht Sinks in Red Sea, Killing Several

On November 26, rescuers found five survivors and four bodies from the wreck of a boat carrying tourists that sank amid high waves off the Red Sea coast of Egypt on November 25, Egyptian authorities said. Search efforts are ongoing for seven other missing passengers and crew, they said.

After the boat sank, 28 people were rescued, including foreign tourists and Egyptian crew members, the governor of Egypt’s Red Sea province, Maj. Gen. Amr Hanafy, said in a statement that day. Some survivors, who reportedly had only minor injuries, were taken to a hotel. Others were airlifted to receive medical treatment.

The boat was carrying 44 passengers and crew members. It had left Marsa Alam, a beach town on the Red Sea, on Sunday for a six-day diving trip.

Authorities in Florida Recover Gold Coins Stolen from Wreck

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) successfully recovered 37 gold coins stolen from the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks, valued collectively at more than $1 million. The recovery marks a major milestone in a long-standing investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of these priceless historical artifacts.

In 2015, members of the Schmitt family, working as contracted salvage operators for 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, uncovered a treasure trove of 101 gold coins from the wrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast. While 51 of these coins were reported correctly and adjudicated, 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen.

FWC investigators, in collaboration with the FBI, launched an in-depth probe after new evidence emerged on June 10, 2024. This evidence linked Eric Schmitt, a member of the Schmitt family, to the illegal sale of multiple stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024.

Investigators executed multiple search warrants, recovering coins from private residences, safe deposit boxes and auctions. Five stolen coins were reclaimed from a Florida-based auctioneer, who unknowingly purchased them from Eric Schmitt. Advanced digital forensics identified metadata and geolocation data linking Eric Schmitt to a photograph of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce. It was also discovered that Eric Schmitt took three of the stolen gold coins and placed them on the ocean floor in 2016 to be found by the new investors of 1715 Fleet — Queens Jewels.

The FWC has worked closely with historical preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abt to authenticate and appraise the recovered artifacts. The investigation also involved partnerships with the 19th and 9th Judicial Circuits, resulting in charges for dealing in stolen property against Eric Schmitt.

As required by state and federal law, the recovered artifacts will be returned to their rightful custodians. FWC investigators are committed to recovering the remaining 13 stolen coins and bringing those involved in their illegal sale to justice.

“This case underscores the importance of safeguarding Florida’s rich cultural heritage and holding accountable those who seek to profit from its exploitation,” said FWC Investigator Camille Soverel.

FWC extends its gratitude to its investigative team, law enforcement partners and the experts who contributed to this groundbreaking case.

Sabotage Suspected in Severed Underwater Cable

The damage to two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea appears to look like an act of sabotage and a “hybrid action,” according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Still no clues as to who is to blame, but the investigation continues.

The 730-mile (1,170km) telecomms cable that runs between Finland and Germany was severed and a 218km internet link between Lithuania and Sweden’s Gotland Island subsequently stopped working.

The incidents come at a time of heightened tension with Russia and Defense Minister Pistorius said “nobody believes that these cables were cut accidentally.”

The Swedish and Lithuanian defense ministers have also stated they were “deeply concerned” that the cable connecting their two countries had been cut.

Finland opened a police probe and the Swedish Prosecution Authority said it had opened an investigation into “sabotage.”

“Our European security is not only under threat from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, but also from hybrid warfare by malicious actors,” said in a joint statement by Germany and Finland.

“The preliminary investigation is ongoing and at an early stage,” said prosecutor Henrik Soderman in a statement. “There is no further information to share about the investigation at this time.”

Savox Communications Secures Multi-Million Order in Asia for Savox TRICS C2 and Savox Noise-COM 100 Headsets

Savox Communications, a global leader in mission-critical hearing protection and communication solutions has received a substantial new order in Asia, reflecting the continued growth and presence of Savox products in the region.

The order, comprising approximately 8,000 systems, includes a combination of the Savox TRICS C2 Communication Hubs and Noise-COM 100 headsets. The order emphasizes the success of our dedication to swift responsiveness, innovation, and maintenance of high-quality standards.

Our on-going success in the Asian market is a testament to the trust organizations place in our ability to deliver solutions that ensure mission success and personnel safety. This order further validates our strategy of fulfilling the expectations with products designed to meet the demands of mission-critical scenarios.

“We are thrilled with this new order; it reflects our unwavering commitment to pushing technological boundaries to enhance mission success and personnel safety,” says Jerry Kettunen, CEO of Savox Communications. “We are excited to continue our journey of growth and dedication to the markets we serve.”

Severed Cable Being Investigated

A severed undersea data cable between Germany and Finland that runs through the Baltic Sea, has raised suspicions of sabotage from those countries. An investigation is underway.

The two countries expressed “deep concern” in a joint statement that the timing of the damage implies “our European security is not only under threat from Russia’s war of agression against Ukraine, but also from hybrid warfare by malicious actors.”

“The fact that such an incident immediately raises suspicions of intentional damage speaks volumes about the volatility of our times,” the statement said.