The Research Brigade (BR) of the Mbour gendarmerie company has achieved a major success with the dismantling of a criminal network in Joal. Following a successful operation conducted last Saturday, investigators apprehended three individuals involved in organizing clandestine sea voyages.

The case began when the gendarmes of the Saly BR received information concerning the organization of a clandestine sea voyage by residents of Joal. This alert immediately triggered an investigation.

The two organizers were arrested.

On-site transport and investigations allowed investigators to identify and arrest the two main organizers: Mr. Ba and PA Diop, both farmers by profession. They are suspected of criminal conspiracy, endangering the lives of others, and migrant smuggling.

The two organizers then led investigators to the home of T. Dieng, a bricklayer, who was found and arrested there. He was taken into custody for complicity in migrant smuggling.

The investigation revealed that the criminal network had rented a place to house all those wishing to undertake the clandestine journey.

Five would-be departers were found at the scene and apprehended by investigators. All of Senegalese nationality, they are being questioned as part of the investigation.

During their hearings, the five candidates unanimously stated that they had paid sums ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 CFA francs to a recruiter, who is currently on the run. According to Seneweb sources, this recruiter then handed over the collected money to Mr. Ba.

During his interrogation, Mr. Ba maintained that this trip was intended to be their first attempt as organizers. He revealed that he was collaborating with PA Diop, his friend with whom he had twice unsuccessfully attempted irregular migration to Spain.

The three accused were taken into custody: Mr. Ba and PA Diop for criminal association, endangering the lives of others and migrant smuggling; T. Dieng for complicity in migrant smuggling.

The investigation continues to find the other members of the criminal network.