afrol News, 15 January - Italian and Dutch authorities have cracked down on a major people-smuggling ring accused of trafficking children from Africa into Europe for prostitution and drug smuggling.

Police confirmed to have detained dozens of Nigerians living in Italy and the Netherlands in connection with the crimes on Tuesday.

The arrest and detention was the result of Operation Viola, which also revealed "serious adoption irregularities" involving Nigerian women living in Italy who took orphans from their country's orphanage only to sell them abroad.

Of the 66 arrest warrants, only 15 were carried out in Italy, police said.

Italian authorities accused suspects of mafia association, criminal association that carries out human trafficking, slavery, kidnapping and international drug trafficking.

Police said smugglers in the Netherlands played a vital role in bringing Nigerian minors into the country principally to work as prostitutes or as drug traffickers.

Police were able to effect 23 arrests at the end of the first phase of the operation in October. Suspects were arrested in the Netherlands, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, United

By staff writer

© afrol News

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