66 people arrested as part of INTERPOL counter-terrorism operation

66 people have been arrested as part of INTERPOL's Operation Neptune VI. The counter-terrorism operation strengthen border security has enabled millions of crosschecks against international databases, resulting significant seizures and the identification of 81 individuals subject to INTERPOL notices and diffusions.

Law enforcement agencies from 14 countries took part with the goal of bolstering security measures and responses around the maritime routes across the Mediterranean Sea, as well as in airports and at land borders in the participating countries.

The operation was carried out in cooperation with WCO, FRONTEX and Europol and was focussed on identifying and analysing the movement patterns of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and people with links to terrorism as well as criminal groups responsible for cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, weapons smuggling and human trafficking.

By the end of the two week operation, more than 16 million crosschecks had been made against the various INTERPOL databases, generating 187 ‘hits’.

One of those arrested was the subject of a Red Notice for a terror attack carried out 23 years ago on a church in Pakistan. He is now being held by local authorities as extradition procedures are carried out.

Greg Hinds, INTERPOL's Counter-Terrorism Director said: “By working together and equipping law enforcement agencies with the frontline tools they need, we can disrupt the activities of terrorists and criminals and bring them to justice. The operation's results demonstrate the importance of sharing intelligence and best practices among countries to combat the evolving threats of terrorism and organized crime.”