Migrant Smuggling Data and Research

With the exception of criminal groups active in the Nordic countries,
smuggling networks typically comprise different nationalities – both European
Union and non-European Union nationals. The latter are most often based in
countries of transit or destination acting as local coordinators or orchestrating
the smuggling activities (Europol, 2016). The age of the smuggler is normally
related to the position he/she holds in the organization. In 2015, the average age
of arrested smugglers was 36 years. Smugglers from Western Balkan countries
and European Union Member States were the oldest in age; Romanian nationals
were the youngest ones (Europol, 2016).
Links to other forms of crime are not uncommon. According to a 2016
study by Europol, in 2015, 22 per cent of all suspected smugglers were linked to
drug trafficking, 20 per cent to trafficking in human beings and 20 per cent to
property crime (Europol, 2016).
Review of data on migrant smuggling
Data on migrant smuggling in Europe are only partially available and in
large highly fragmented. In addition, there is quite a divergence among the
different countries in the manner in which data are collected. This limits the
ability to fully comprehend the scale and dynamics behind the crime.
In principle, official data on migrant smuggling are collected by national
law enforcement agencies (police, coast guard, border authorities). They most
commonly consist of figures of annual apprehensions. Together with national
court records, these provide the primary source of information on migrant
smuggling. Statistical analyses may also be found in the data of international
organizations and European Union agencies, such as Europol and Frontex, but
also data collected through surveys. An important source of information within
this context has been the work of the International Centre for Migration Policy
Development that has consistently kept records of the main smuggling trends in
Central Europe. The basic advantage of the information provided through these
sources is that it is often of a broader scope, allowing a better overview of trends
and patterns in the region. However, the main limitation lies in the fact that
the findings are largely based on estimates derived from the official statistics. In
this sense, some of the main shortcomings applicable to the former extend also
here.
There are significant limitations to the kind of knowledge outlined above.
First, the scope of information is typically narrow as it is based on detected cases
and restricted to the national jurisdiction. Second, in the particular context of
Europe, not all countries are willing to publicize their data. France, Belgium and
Migrant Smuggling Data and Research:
A global review of the emerging evidence base
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