Libyan authorities have dismantled a suspected migrant smuggling operation in Benghazi, arresting 26 Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly preparing to undertake an irregular migration journey to Europe through Libya’s coastline.
The operation was carried out by the Investigations Department of the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency, following intelligence reports indicating that a residence in the Al-Majouri district was being used to accommodate and gather undocumented migrants before their transfer to coastal departure points.
According to officials, investigators launched an extensive surveillance operation after receiving credible information about the property. Security personnel monitored the location and tracked the movement of individuals connected to the site, ultimately confirming the presence of migrants believed to be awaiting arrangements for onward travel.
After completing the necessary intelligence and investigative procedures, authorities implemented a coordinated security operation targeting the residence. Security forces initially detained an individual linked to the property before conducting a raid that resulted in the arrest of 26 Bangladeshi migrants.
Preliminary questioning indicated that the migrants had been waiting for smugglers to complete arrangements for a sea crossing toward Europe. Investigators believe the group was part of a broader network involved in facilitating irregular migration through Libya, which remains one of the main transit routes for migrants seeking to reach European shores.
Authorities have launched further investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for organizing and financing the alleged smuggling operation. Officials are also examining whether additional locations were being used to house migrants as part of the same network.
The arrests come amid continuing efforts by Libyan authorities to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling activities across the country. Security agencies have intensified operations in recent months, targeting networks that exploit migrants and use Libya as a staging point for journeys across the Mediterranean.
Officials stressed that legal procedures are underway and that all individuals connected to the case will be referred to the relevant authorities. They also reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling and strengthening border and coastal security.