Bish, Alexandre Georges; (2024) Studying Irregular Migration through Crime Science: Insights into Smuggling and Trafficking on the Central Mediterranean Route to Europe. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

In this thesis, I investigate irregular migration, smuggling, and related harms involving exploitation and detention on the Central Mediterranean Route, using a crime science approach. The thesis is divided into three main analytical components. First, I deconstruct 71 migration journeys into a directed weighted graph based on interviews with migrants arriving in Malta from Libya. Through scripting, 81 typical activities associated with migration were identified. Each journey was unique, and many were complex and long, involving different sequences of activities and lasting on average 18 months. Two thirds of participants worked during their journeys, another two thirds were detained before Malta, and a quarter were subjected to forced labour. Second, I analyse the graphed migration system by developing algorithms to identify repeated cycles of activities across participants. Of the 81 activities identified, 70% were repeated by the same participants. For example, the activity ‘wait in detention’ was repeated on 18 journeys, on average three times. A total of 174 distinct cycles of activities were found, 22 of which were shared across several participants, including activity sequences linking anti-smuggling efforts with detention and forced labour. Significantly, identified patterns highlight how migrants can get stuck in cycles of im/mobility on their journeys. Third, I apply a situational lens to analyse harms linked to detention and forced labour. The results demonstrate new transitions and blurred categories between smuggling and trafficking. Sometimes, the presence of agency in trafficking journeys contrasted with its absence in smuggling journeys. My findings underscore the urgent need for a reassessment of border control policies and detention practices, emphasising humane treatment, independent oversight, and adherence to international law. Addressing the systemic issues of repeated cycles of harm requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritises protection and support for vulnerable populations, while also considering the broader ethical implications and potential unintended consequences of interventions.

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