A 34-year-old Egyptian man has been arrested by Italian police in Livorno on suspicion of smuggling migrants across the Mediterranean. He was detained on May 29 after stepping off the Ocean Viking, a rescue ship operated by a humanitarian group. Authorities say he allegedly piloted a small wooden boat carrying 12 migrants through dangerous waters near Libya.
The man was among 13 migrants rescued from the sea and brought to the Tuscan port. Italian police, specifically the Livorno flying squad, handled the arrest. They believe he was the skipper of the boat that had passengers from Egypt, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. The rescue took place during the night of May 25 in Libyan waters, and the migrants were split between two ports—40 went to Sicily and the rest to Livorno.
Investigators say the man began steering the vessel on May 22 while in international waters. His identity was confirmed by testimonies from other migrants, and he was found to have re-entered Italy illegally. Records showed that he had been deported from Italy two years ago after arriving without the right documents.
Police also discovered a significant amount of money in his backpack, mostly in €20 notes. This added to suspicions that he was involved in illegal smuggling. Investigators considered him a flight risk and took him into custody. The charges he faces include aiding and abetting illegal immigration.
Livorno’s prefect, Giancarlo Dionisi, praised the police for their quick action and criticized human trafficking as a cruel and dangerous crime. He described the smuggler as a “merchant of death” who took advantage of desperate people fleeing war and hardship. He emphasized that Italy would continue to welcome those in need but would not tolerate criminal acts.
Dionisi also highlighted the role of the state in maintaining both compassion and control. “Italy is a democratic country that does not turn away from those seeking help,” he said. “But we must also remain strong and united against those who abuse our support to break the law.”
The Ocean Viking rescue ship has played a key role in saving lives at sea, especially near Libya, where many migrants begin their journey toward Europe. On this particular mission, it saved 53 people, including children and unaccompanied minors. Humanitarian groups continue to call for safer pathways for migrants, while authorities face the ongoing challenge of stopping smuggling operations.
This arrest marks another step in Italy’s crackdown on illegal immigration and human trafficking. The country continues to balance its humanitarian efforts with law enforcement to protect both migrants and its national security.