Guatemala dismantles migrant trafficking ring / Photo: JOHAN ORDÓÑEZ - AFP
-
Schools closed in Beirut after deadly Israeli air raid
-
Anger, pain in Turkey as 'newborn deaths gang' trial opens
-
Kremlin says Biden 'fuelling' war as Russian strikes rock Odesa
-
UN climate chief at deadlocked COP29: 'Cut the theatrics'
-
G20 leaders gather to discuss wars, climate, Trump comeback
-
Stocks, dollar mixed as traders scale back US rate cut bets
-
Stoinis lets rip as Australia crush Pakistan for T20 series whitewash
-
Bentancur banned for seven games over alleged racial slur
-
Kremlin says Biden 'fuelling' tensions with Kyiv missile decision
-
COP host Azerbaijan jailed activists over 'critical opinions': rights body
-
Composer of Piaf's 'Non, je ne regrette rien' dies aged 95
-
South African trio nominated for World Rugby player of year
-
'Not here for retiring': Nadal insists focus on Davis Cup
-
Tractor-driving French farmers protest EU-Mercosur deal
-
Floods hit northern Philippines after typhoon forces dam release
-
Pakistan skittled for 117 in final T20 against Australia
-
Schools closed in Beirut after deadly Israeli strike
-
Chris Wood hits hat-trick in NZ World Cup qualifying rout
-
Markets mixed after Wall St losses as traders weigh US rates outlook
-
US, Philippines sign deal on sharing military information
-
Bangladeshi ex-ministers face 'massacre' charges in court
-
Law and disorder as Thai police station comes under monkey attack
-
Disgraced Singapore oil tycoon sentenced to nearly 18 years for fraud
-
Philippines cleans up as typhoon death toll rises
-
Quincy Jones awarded posthumous Oscar
-
'Critically endangered' African penguins just want peace and food
-
Long delayed Ukrainian survival video game sequel set for release amid war
-
Star Australian broadcaster charged with sex offences
-
Philippines cleans up after sixth major storm in weeks
-
Woman-owned cafe in Indonesia's Sharia stronghold shakes stigma
-
Indigenous Australian lawmaker who heckled King Charles censured
-
End of an era as Nadal aims for winning Davis Cup farewell
-
Trump taps big tech critic Carr to lead US communications agency
-
Mitchell-less Cavs rip Hornets as perfect NBA start hits 15-0
-
Markets swing after Wall St losses as traders weigh US rates outlook
-
India's capital shuts schools because of smog
-
Rio under high security for G20 summit
-
G20 leaders to grapple with climate, taxes, Trump comeback
-
Hopes set on G20 spurring deadlocked UN climate talks
-
Gabon early results show voters back new constitution
-
Child abuse police arrest star Australian broadcaster
-
Disgraced Singapore oil tycoon to be sentenced for fraud
-
Stray dogs in Giza become tourist draw after 'pyramid puppy' sensation
-
UN Security Council to weigh call for immediate Sudan ceasefire
-
Is AI's meteoric rise beginning to slow?
-
Israeli strikes on Beirut kill six, including Hezbollah official
-
Rain wipes out England's final T20 in West Indies
-
US speaker opposes calls to release ethics report on Trump's AG pick
-
McDonald's feast undercuts Trump health pledge
-
Thousands march through Athens to mark student uprising
NYSE - LSE
Guatemala dismantles migrant trafficking ring
Guatemalan authorities on Tuesday dismantled a criminal network, with police among its ranks, responsible for smuggling migrants to the United States, the government said.
Thirty-six people, including 23 active and two retired police officers, were arrested in the operation that involved 34 raids in the capital and other cities, according to Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez.
The ring "used police officers by bribing them to guarantee the passage of people," he said in a message on X.
The US embassy in Guatemala said the operation dismantled a network that "exploited nearly 10,000 migrants."
It also resulted in the seizing of illicit funds, electronic devices and firearms, the mission said on X.
Central America serves as a corridor for migrants from different parts of the world seeking to reach the United States.
Prosecutor Marvin Orellana said the network had moved migrants from Russia, China, Ecuador, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti and Vietnam, among other countries.
Jimenez said the operation was part of a strategy by President Bernardo Arevalo's government "not to criminalize migrants, but to pursue and dismantle human trafficking structures."
Ch.P.Lewis--AT