Italy arrests 10 Tunisians over Pantelleria smuggling network

Italian police have arrested 10 Tunisian nationals suspected of involvement in an alleged migrant smuggling network operating between Tunisia and the island of Pantelleria.

The operation was carried out on Monday 8 June as part of a Genoa led investigation coordinated by the District Anti Mafia and Anti Terrorism Directorate in Genoa.

Italian State Police said six suspects were placed in pre trial detention and four others were placed under an obligation to remain at home overnight.

Investigators suspect the group of involvement in a transnational criminal association aimed at facilitating irregular migration.

According to Italian reporting, the alleged network organised paid sea crossings from Tunisia to Pantelleria, one of the main arrival points on the central Mediterranean route.

Investigators identified four alleged facilitation episodes between March 2024 and February 2025, involving more than 120 Tunisian nationals.

The migrants were allegedly housed in gathering points in Tunisia before being taken to the coast and placed on boats towards Pantelleria.

Italian police also allege that the group charged between 2,500 and 3,000 euros for each crossing.

One suspect is also accused of collecting, exchanging and transferring money in Italy and abroad through the hawala system.

Hawala is an informal, trust based money transfer network that operates outside conventional banking channels and official exchange systems.

Italian authorities said the investigation began after the arrival of 25 migrants intercepted off Pantelleria in March 2024.

The suspects have not been convicted. The case remains under investigation.