ROME, Oct 4 (Reuters) - The Group of Seven (G7) rich democracies will establish specialized police units to investigate migrant trafficking, as announced by Italy's interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address irregular migration, following a three-day meeting of G7 interior ministers in Mirabella Eclano, Italy.
Piantedosi emphasized that the action plan aims to enhance the investigative and operational capacities of police forces, including the initiation of joint actions among member nations. He stated, “We reiterated with one voice that the dismantling of the trafficking cartels is a priority.”
The G7, which includes the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Canada, is seeking closer cooperation with the European Union and African governments to combat human trafficking. The plan calls for the creation of law enforcement units specialized in migrant smuggling and trafficking, where such units do not currently exist.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, which holds the G7 rotating presidency for 2024, has previously signed a deal with Albania to establish reception camps aimed at deterring migrants from dangerous sea journeys to Italy. Piantedosi noted that these camps are expected to become operational in the coming weeks and were a topic of discussion at the G7 meeting.
The initiative reflects a growing concern among G7 nations regarding the rising number of irregular migrants and the associated risks posed by trafficking networks.
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