German police conducted raids on multiple facilities across the country on Wednesday as part of an investigation into a suspected people smuggling network.

Authorities targeted 19 locations across several German states, including Thuringia, Baden-Württemberg, Schleswig-Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony-Anhalt, with a focus on the city of Jena in Thuringia.

Five arrest warrants were executed for Syrian and Iraqi nationals, with investigations covering 18 suspects ranging from drivers to those involved in higher organisational roles.

A total of 340 police officers were deployed, including special forces in Jena.

One suspect was considered potentially dangerous, but police did not disclose whether they were armed during the raid.

The police said the individuals being smuggled were initially housed in a flat in Jena.

Payments were made through an informal system, with cash being transferred via intermediaries.

Investigators tracked down the suspects after several transporters were stopped on the Western Balkans route, revealing a broader operation.

The suspects are accused of trafficking at least 140 individuals through the West Balkan route during 2023 and 2024. The investigation is ongoing.

(dpa/NAN)