Around 90% of those who cross the EU's external borders illegally do so with the help of migrant smugglers. Who are these smugglers, how do they operate and why do migrants turn to them despite horrific accidents?

Smuggling is a huge part of the Iranian economy. All kinds of products change hands illegally in Iran, from contraband items like alcohol and satellite dishes, to washing machines, phones and car parts. However, little is known about these people who operate in the shadows. We're joined by Ershad Alijani from the FRANCE 24 Observers, who presents a special report on the issue.

After a migrant boat capsized in the English Channel and claimed 27 lives, France's interior minister has called for help from abroad, saying most trying to cross the Channel start their journey from elsewhere in the EU.

Smugglers have resumed their illegal trade through airports since the closure of Nigeria's land borders in August. Comptroller of Customs, Lagos airport command, Wale Adeniyi disclosed this after making some seizures.

Migrants using traditional routes from Africa to Europe often fail to reach their destinations. Smugglers now offer new options, such as taking migrants to faraway countries by plane.

Smugglers are turning to perilous routes through the desert, or even dumping those hoping to reach North Africa. DW visited the transit hub of Agadez where efforts are being made to rescue migrants lost in the Sahara.

The smugglers were arrested at Kuala Lumpur's main airport after arriving from China with 5,255 red-eared terrapins. Malaysia has become a hub for wildlife trafficking in the past few years.

Nigeria Police parades alleged int'l gun smugglers.

Smugglers have continued to threaten the mental well being of Nigerians with their relentless importation of dangerous and prohibited drugs.

We’re at war with smugglers sabotaging Nigeria’s self-sufficiency drive in rice production.

Bashir Ama was a people smuggler in Agadez, a desert city in Niger known until recently as the people-smuggling capital of Africa. But conditions have changed, and Bashir Ama has opted to fund a football team instead.