EU police agency hauls in organised crime ring

The European Union’s law enforcement agency says police smashed a Nigerian organised crime ring in one of the largest European operations against human trafficking. Europol said the Nigerian gang trafficked victims to Europe through Libya and Italy, forcing women into prostitution to pay for their journey. Spain’s Guardia Civil carried out 41 house searches in 11 Spanish cities, while Britain’s National Crime Agency mounted raids in Manchester. Europol said the criminal ring was active in several EU countries. A Europol statement yesterday said it blocked bank accounts that laundered more than €300,000 (Dh1.4 million) for the organisation. It said 89 people had been arrested and 39 victims rescued. The statement did not say when the operation took place.