Terrorism charge result of international operation

Operation Neptune III, run by INTERPOL to strengthen passenger controls at a number of seaports and airports linking North Africa to Southern Europe, has yielded 29 arrests for a variety of offences, including one on terrorism charges.

The individual concerned, arrested in Algeria, was subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice for terrorism activities. An additional 24 terrorism-related hits based on checks in INTERPOL and national law enforcement databases were identified throughout the operation.  

Neptune III involved law enforcement in five countries – Algeria, France, Italy, Spain and Tunisia – and was carried out during the summer 2021 tourist season. As part of the initiative, INTERPOL deployed officers to assist local authorities in screening travellers, cross-checking their data against INTERPOL and national databases.

INTERPOL’s databases contain details of around 135,000 individuals suspected of terrorist activity, making the organisation the largest repository of such information. Data are collected from and shared with law enforcement in INTERPOL’s 194 member countries.

In total, 29 individuals were arrested on charges of terrorism, drug trafficking, vehicle theft, crimes against children, sexual violence, fraud and human trafficking, among other crimes. Authorities also managed to seize 17.5 kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of EUR 1.2 million; more than 20,000 ecstasy pills; 189 kg of tobacco products; five vehicles (three luxury cars and two motorcycles); one handgun and 29 hunting rifles; and over EUR 260,000 in cash.

Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL General Secretary, said: “The results of Operation Neptune III show that suspected terrorist and organised crime groups are moving through the same borders as thousands of other passengers each month. However, the results also demonstrate that securing borders through enhanced international law enforcement cooperation presents an opportunity to disrupt terrorist threats and criminal operations.”