A 51-year-old man has been held in Baiona (Lapurdi), in exchange for money, for helping migrants cross the border between Iparralde and Hegoalde. The detainee reportedly took advantage of the need for at least 33 persons: He picked them up in Irun (Gipuzkoa) and took them in a car to Iparralde, where he charged them with money in return.

The man was arrested on 2 July, when he was transporting two persons of Saharawi nationality in his car. On 4 July, a Baiona court held a speedy trial in which he was sentenced to 15 months in prison for a murder offence. He also banned him from entering the French State for five years.

According to various sources, four others have been arrested in recent months for similar practices, that is, for benefiting from the need for migrants and for asking for money to help cross the border.