Police in Crotone, southern Italy, have arrested a Nigerian man accused of leading a notorious human trafficking network. The suspect, identified as A.D., is the alleged ringleader of Arrow Baga – Supremes Vikings, a criminal group that has been operating in France for several years. He was arrested on January 17 under a European arrest warrant issued by French authorities.
A.D., 42, had been sentenced in France to ten years in prison by a court in Marseilles for his involvement in criminal activities, including clandestine immigration, extortion, and sexual violence. Despite this sentence, he managed to escape from France and evade capture until his recent arrest in Italy.
The Italian police in Crotone, led by local commissioner Renato Panvino, have intensified efforts to counter human trafficking and irregular migration. Officers noticed A.D. near the police headquarters in an area frequently visited by foreign nationals seeking to regularize their legal status. His behavior aroused suspicion as he appeared nervous and attempted to leave the area upon spotting the police.
Further investigation confirmed A.D.’s identity and his role as the leader of Arrow Baga – Supremes Vikings. This criminal network, based in Marseilles, is notorious for its involvement in human trafficking, prostitution, extortion, and violent crimes, often involving firearms.
The arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in their fight against transnational crime. A.D. is now in custody and awaiting extradition to France, where he will serve his sentence for criminal association.
The operation highlights the ongoing challenges of tackling human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and operate across international borders. Italian authorities remain committed to combating irregular migration and dismantling criminal organizations involved in such activities.