The National Police said Tuesday the busted cell operated from Ceuta, a tiny Spanish enclave in northern Africa. According to police, a hitman threatened the migrants who dared to ask for a refund if they failed to complete the trip. More than 5,500 migrants have reached Spanish shores this year and 121 have died trying to, according to the International Organization for Migration. Migrants have been trying to get from Turkey into Greece, which is in the European Union, before heading to more prosperous European nations. A 2016 deal between Turkey and the EU significantly curbed numbers but migrants still attempt the perilous journey.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 26, 2019 09:11 UTC