A maritime operation conducted by the Guardia di Finanza led to the arrest of the alleged smuggler of a small boat carrying seven other migrants in the waters off Sant'Antioco.

The vessel was stopped at sea during a patrol. According to a statement, it happened on the evening before Ferragosto (August 15th), when a Finnish vessel deployed as part of the international mission "Joint Operation Italy 2026"—under the auspices of the European Agency Frontex—intercepted a six-meter fiberglass boat carrying eight Algerian migrants, including a minor.

Having intercepted the vessel, the Finnish military personnel began the delicate process of transferring and securing the migrants onto the military vessel. However, after rescuing the first seven passengers, the last remaining person on board, attempting to evade checks, attempted to flee by boat, but was unsuccessful. He was apprehended after a chase.

All were then taken to the port of Sant'Antioco, where the Guardia di Finanza was waiting to identify the boat's driver and, in close coordination with the Cagliari Public Prosecutor's Office, arrested him for aiding and abetting illegal immigration.

(Unioneonline/AD)