a Lebanese smuggler testifies in “Special Envoy”

This 33-year-old Lebanese from Tripoli wants to remain anonymous. He is one of the smugglers who send entire families across the Mediterranean. He explained to “Special Envoy” how he proceeds. Surprisingly, it is right in the city center of Tripoli that the departures of clandestine boats take place. In the middle of the night, passengers are brought to the platforms. They have to cross a bridge, then hide behind a wall. Then, fishing boats take them out to sea, to a larger boat on which they will make the crossing.

He would receive around 1,000 euros “per boat that leaves”

According to this smuggler, part of the 3,000 to 7,000 euros that each passenger pays is paid to the coast guards so that they close their eyes to the passage of the boats. Afterwards, “Whoever directs the mission is the one who pockets the most money: he takes 90%. The rest of the team shares 10% of the profits”. Himself, whose role is to maintain the boats, says he receives around 1,000 euros per boat that leaves.

Why did he join this network which engages in human trafficking, which he himself considers to be “a mafia” ? In question, according to the smuggler, poverty and lack of jobs in Lebanon. “If you make $5 a day and you have a family, what do you do?” Does he feel responsible for the drownings that occur during these crossings? “Of course, it’s dangerous, I’m not saying otherwise, he answers. But people died either way, whether it’s staying here or drowning at sea.”

Extract from “Lebanon, the castaways of the crisis”, a report to see in “Special Envoy” on February 23, 2023.

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