The 28 want to hit the Libyan smugglers in the wallet
(B2 - exclusive) The fight against smuggling networks in Libya has not really had any noticeable effects. This is a fact that cannot be denied today. And Europe seems determined to pull out its "sanctions" stick to hit the "heads" and the beneficiaries of these networks.
A weak result of Operation Sophia
The maritime operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med / Sophia) has not really achieved results in the fight against human trafficking. The primary objective of the mission: to dismantle the networks of smugglers is, for the moment, far from being achieved. It's an understatement... The number of people arrested by the sailors of Operation Sophia (110 in two years) should not be misleading. They are generally small hands, migrants themselves who have received the mission of leading their companions in misfortune. In this lot, there are very few smugglers – less than a dozen according to our sources (1) – and even fewer traffickers. What a diplomat confirms to us: we know that the network heads are not on board the tires ". Those who are apprehended in this way are " straw men or people who are placed at the very bottom of the network ladder ».
Change method...
The European Union will therefore move on to what it does best: establish sanctions. It is thus preparing a blacklist of people placed in the networks, who will be both banned from entering the European Union (visa ban) and whose assets will be frozen in European banks. " It's a novelty – recognizes a European diplomat with whom B2 spoke –. It is not so much the "visa ban" component that will be effective. Everyone is aware of this at European level. “It is not by prohibiting them from coming to Paris and Rome that we will have an effect” You have to knock on the wallet » including in Europe. " We identified people who are in these networks, what they do, where they come from, who they are. We are therefore able to put names ».
... and freeze funds in European banks
« Financial flows do not stay in mattresses in Tripoli. We know it. There are principals, money circulating, including in European banks, we have to put an end to it. A measure "essential [...] Human trafficking generates significant profits. You have to knock on the wallet. »
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
(1) A figure not officially confirmed. The European authorities refuse to give any details on the fate of these people, their profile, their future (convicted, not convicted). A kind of admission of semi-failure...