14 suspects arrested in Pakistan over Greek migrant boat disaster

A boat carrying about 800 migrants capsized off the coast of Greece last week. Police say they are searching for other suspects.

Relatives of victims of the boat capsize off the coast of Greece. Photo: Reuters

A statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said the Pakistani government had ordered an investigation into the alleged human trafficking network. Pakistan declared a national day of mourning after the boat capsized, in which several of its citizens drowned.

Police reports said one of those arrested admitted to taking three men on the boat and charging each person up to 3 million Pakistani rupees (more than $10,000). The boat had a capacity of only 300 to 350 people.

Police officer Riaz Mughal said initial investigations estimated there were 800 people on board. "According to information from two survivors, arrested suspects and families of the victims, the boat was carrying around 750 to 800 people," Mughal said.

Greek authorities said 104 survivors and 78 bodies had been brought ashore.

One of the suspects arrested in Pakistan said his son was also on the boat and is now missing. The suspect also said the trafficking network was based in Libya.

At least 21 of those who died last week were from the Kotli district of Pakistan-administered Himalayan Kashmir, Mr Mughal said.

Trung Kien (according to Reuters, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/14-nghi-pham-bi-bat-o-pakistan-trong-tham-hoa-lat-thuyen-di-cu-hy-lap-post252388.html