Russian police have smashed an illegal immigrant smuggling network

BBC News:

The group sent illegal immigrants to France, Spain and the US, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said.

Up to 10 people a week were trafficked and the smugglers charged at least $1,000 (£528) per head.

Two Russians ran the ring, set up in 2001, which smuggled more than 1,000 people abroad, the FSB said.

The two were named as Karen Gevorkyan and Dmitriy Kedrov.

During the operation officers found a large number of false Russian passports and exit visas, fake stamps and seals of Russian state institutions.

The migrants were mainly from Moldova, Ukraine, the Caucasus and Asia, said FSB spokesman Sergei Ignatchenko.

He said some Chechens were also on the list.

In the news:

Russian Police Bust Criminal Group Sending Illegal Migrants to Europe, U.S.

People smuggling ring foiled