Unverified Somali Police Officers Smuggled into Europe Under INTERPOL Invitation Sparks Human Trafficking Concerns

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 29 August 2024 16:05

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Unverified Somali Police Officers Smuggled into Europe Under INTERPOL Invitation Sparks Human Trafficking Concerns

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – In a troubling development, individuals posing as Somali police officers were recently smuggled into Europe under the cover of an official visit by the Somali Police Commissioner to INTERPOL headquarters in

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PHOTO: INTERPOL had published photos of the delegation's visit on August 8, 2024, which included Abditah in a group photo, further confirming his presence.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – In a troubling development, individuals posing as Somali police officers were recently smuggled into Europe under the cover of an official visit by the Somali Police Commissioner to INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon, France.

Despite being invited by INTERPOL, these individuals have not returned to Somalia, raising serious concerns about human trafficking facilitated by government officials.

On August 8, 2024, General Sulub Ahmed Firin, Commissioner of the Somali Police Force, and his delegation were received at INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon. Among those who traveled from Somalia was Abditah Ali Mohamed, identified by police sources in Mogadishu as a cousin of General Firin.

Although Abditah had never served as a police officer, he was hastily added to the list of officers traveling to France. A passport was quickly issued, and fake police documents were provided to him.

"Following the visit, General Firin returned to Mogadishu, but Abditah and several others from the delegation did not accompany him," a police source at the Mogadishu police told our reporter.

Our investigation has confirmed that Abditah was smuggled into Germany, crossing the border by train.

Despite his lack of police service, Abditah was given a police uniform and was pictured alongside his cousin, General Firin, during a police event in Mogadishu just days before being smuggled into Europe.

"Abditah was not a police officer, but he was placed on the list by his cousin, General Firin, to secure a visa and facilitate his smuggling into Europe under the guise of an INTERPOL invitation," a Mogadishu police officer disclosed to our reporter.

INTERPOL had published photos of the delegation's visit on August 8, 2024, which included Abditah in a group photo, further corroborating his presence.

This is not an isolated case. Documents obtained by our team reveal a list of individuals who were recently promoted within the Somali Police Force despite never serving in the police. According to police sources, some of these promotions were secured through clan connections, while others were bought. There is growing concern that unchecked individuals with potential security risks could infiltrate the police force.

Human trafficking involving Somali government officials is an escalating problem. Mogadishu Airport has been identified as a key hub for smugglers trafficking people, including young children.

One recent case involves a young girl named Meymun Abdullahi Ahmed, who was smuggled from Hargeisa to Mogadishu and then trafficked through Mogadishu Airport.

We have reached out to INTERPOL's press office and are awaiting their response. Meanwhile, Somali immigration authorities have declined to comment on these recent cases.