The Belgian Frigate LEOPOLD I completes her first rescue operation: 4 suspect smugglers reported to Italian Authorities
This morning the Belgian Frigate LEOPOLD I 
, part of EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Task Force, entered Augusta harbour, in Italy, to disembark 258 migrants saved yesterday at sea from a wooden fishing vessel.
While sailing towards Italy, the involved Belgian personnel has individuated, among the 254 male and 4 female saved, 4 suspect smugglers now in the hands of the Italian Authorities for further investigations.
This is not the first case in which following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia activities, suspect smugglers are arrested by Italian Judicial Authorities, in fact only few days ago, 3 more suspect were spotted among the migrants saved by HMS RICHMOND on the 28th of October, while since the Full Operational Capability of EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Task Force, reached last 27 July, due to their suspect behaviour, 42 people have been reported to the Italian Authorities as possible smugglers.
In 4 months, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia has been involved in several rescue activities contributing to save the life of more than 5300 migrants and 41 boats have been disposed in order to avoid any possible illegal reuse and to guarantee the safety of navigation.
Launched on 22nd of June 2015, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia, which moved to its second phase in International Waters last 7th of October, supports the EU efforts to disrupt the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Central Mediterranean.
