Beware of human trafficking scams

The International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) is warning its ship and port agent members to be aware of approaches from people traffickers attempting to smuggle illegal immigrants through their ports. 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.