People smugglers exploiting Iraqi refugees

LYON, France, July 27 (UPI) -- Interpol says desperate Iraqi refugees are falling prey to criminals who want to exploit them, the International Herald Tribune said Friday.

About 2 million Iraqis have already abandoned their homeland and an estimated 60,000 more leave each month.

While many have relocated to neighboring countries like Syria, Jordan, Iran, Lebanon and Egypt, the massive influx of exiles is straining the host countries' resources and services, forcing many to limit the number of Iraqi immigrants they can sustain, Interpol said.

These refugees represent a new market for people smugglers who charge exorbitant prices to help them escape Iraq where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has said violence claims an average of 100 lives a day.

Since January, Interpol has identified about 10 criminal gangs charging thousands of dollars to take Iraqis illegally across borders.

Legal migration for Iraqis is not always possible because it is so hard for them to obtain valid travel documents.