Beware of traffickers
The ITIC - International Transport Intermediaries Club, managed by Thomas Miller – has repeated its warnings for ship and port agent members to be aware of approaches from people traffickers attempting to smuggle illegal immigrants the maritime way.
Traffickers, pretending to be shipping companies, are approaching ship agents and requesting them to handle a change of crew, including booking travel and accommodation. Operating through an agent in this way gives the traffickers a degree of legitimacy and provides a cover for their illegal operations. Often the ship agent will make the arrangements but the migrants will simply disappear.
Andrew Jamieson, ITIC’s claims director, explains further: “Some of our members have fallen for this scam and have been left with unpaid hotel bills and other expenses. More seriously, they can face fines from the immigration authorities plus liability for detention and repatriation costs if the migrants are caught.”
International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) is a major provider of professional indemnity insurance to international transport professionals across the globe. (cd)