Security forces in Alexandria have foiled an illegal attempt at migration across the Mediterranean to Italy. Three brokers and 225 illegal migrants of different nationalities were arrested in a raid on Friday.
Police said they received a tip-off that a large number of people were stationed in a house near in the Al-Amreya neighborhood, preparing for an illegal sea voyage to Italy.
Among the people arrested are 50 Egyptians, 81 Sudanese, 69 Eritreans, 25 Somalis, 11 Ethiopians, four Comorians, four Cameroonians, four Guineans, three Syrians, three Yemenis, and a Palestinian.
According to police investigations, the brokers admitted to forming a gang to smuggle people abroad using a boat, collecting $2,000 from each foreigner and LE25,000 from each Egyptian.
Police have now referred the matter to the prosecution for further investigations.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
