Top migrant smuggler extradited to Italy

An Eritrean man suspected of running a huge human trafficking network that sent thousands of migrants to Europe, leaving many to die on the way, was extradited from Sudan to Italy overnight, officials said. Medhane Yehdego Mered, nicknamed “the General”, had been heard on intercepted telephone calls boasting about cramming more people onto rickety boats […]

An Eritrean man suspected of running a huge human trafficking network that sent thousands of migrants to Europe, leaving many to die on the way, was extradited from Sudan to Italy overnight, officials said.
Medhane Yehdego Mered, nicknamed “the General”, had been heard on intercepted telephone calls boasting about cramming more people onto rickety boats to make the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean than other traffickers, prosecutors said.
“This shows an absolute indifference about the lives of immigrants,” Italian magistrate Maurizio Scalia told reporters.
The 35-year-old was arrested in Sudan on May 24 on charges of human trafficking and abetting illegal immigration and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Magistrates may eventually also accuse him of homicide as their investigation continues, judicial sources said. There was no immediate comment from any lawyer representing him.