Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali authorities have detained a European passport holder of Somali origin suspected of trafficking young people, following an investigation led by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA).
According to officials, the suspect was identified using advanced document verification technology recently deployed by the agency as part of broader efforts to combat illegal migration and organized crime networks. The individual was flagged after inconsistencies were detected in travel documentation during routine screening.
The ICA confirmed that the suspect was immediately handed over to the Somali Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
“This arrest underscores the effectiveness of our new verification systems and our commitment to protecting Somali youth from exploitation,” the agency said in a statement.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect’s identity or nationality, citing the sensitivity of ongoing investigations. However, law enforcement officials indicated that the individual is believed to be part of a larger trafficking syndicate operating across borders.
Human trafficking remains a growing challenge in Somalia, where job scarcity and insecurity have left many young people vulnerable to smugglers who promise safe passage to Europe and the Middle East. The government has urged citizens to avoid irregular migration routes and report suspicious activity.
The CID is expected to release further details as the case progresses, amid calls for tighter border controls and increased international cooperation against trafficking networks.