The deadly business of Afghan people smugglers

Thousands of Afghans put their lives in the hands of criminal gangs every day to get to Europe. Traffickers use empty promises to lure refugees who hope to start a new life in paradise. But many end up disappointed. 
Haji Qasem Mohammadi’s family has everything a family needs. A good income, a beautiful house and a happy family. But all this can’t console Mohammadi. One day he woke up and his beloved son was gone.

Hussain paid thousands of euros, went to Turkey, then Greece and finally passed the Balkan states to reach Germany. It’s the most common route for refugees, who want to go to Germany.

Highly professional international smuggler groups are using this route for their own profits, according to the German Intelligence Service (BND). The German federal police raided several houses in 24 cities across the European country and arrested seven suspects in a bid to contain smuggling activities.

The smugglers are said to have been providing fake documents and plane tickets to refugees in exchange for up to 10,000 euros ($10,800) per person. They often lie to their clients and make false promises. 

In Afghanistan, many believe German Chancellor Angela Merkel has assured German citizenship to incoming Afghans. There are even rumors in Kabul that Germany has promised to take in 800,000 Afghans.

It is therefore no surprise that many Afghans accept the dangers of a long, perilous journey to get to Germany. A worsening security situation and poor economic prospects in the South Asian country are so-called "push factors" for people to leave Afghanistan, says BND president Gerhard Schindler.

Human smuggling from Afghanistan has been booming in recent months. Many Afghans are draining their savings and selling their belongings and land to pay for the uncertain and insecure journey.  People who are able to afford can buy visas to Turkey. And from there, the journey continues. Thousands of Afghans are leaving their country on a daily basis. - Read More at the DW

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