Criminal Elements
People smuggling - specifically migrant smuggling - constitutes criminal conduct. A significant contributing factor behind the success of smuggling operations comes from the participation of corrupt officials. However, criminal elements of smuggling may reach beyond the sphere of human smuggling. In a testimony before Congress, William D. Cadman - INS counterterrorism coordinator - stated, "Organized crime syndicates...are known to use alien-smuggling operations to support and further their criminal objectives".
Given the dangerous and clandestine criminal nature of people smuggling operations, smuggled persons are sometimes at risk of becoming victims of other crimes. Aside from subjection to unsafe conditions in their journeys to their destinations, smuggled individuals may also be subject to physical or sexual abuse or placed in hostage-like conditions until their debts are paid off. Others might face exploitation or be forced to participate in other criminal activities during their journey as smuggled individuals. Because smuggling can generate substantial profits for those involved, which in turn can fuel corruption and organized crime in countries traveled from, through, or to during the smuggling process.
Read more about this topic: People Smuggling
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