Tunisia has apprehended a man believed to be the mastermind behind a migrant smuggling network responsible for facilitating dangerous Mediterranean crossings, including one incident where 20 people tragically drowned.

Located just 130 kilometers away from the Italian island of Lampedusa, Tunisia has long served as a gateway for migrants attempting the perilous journey to Europe.

The arrest of the alleged organizer took place in Sfax, Tunisia’s second-largest city. The suspect was wanted in 24 cases and had been sentenced to 79 years in prison, according to the national guard.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi praised the arrest, highlighting the individual’s involvement in facilitating departures from Sfax.

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Authorities in Tunisia claim that the man was responsible for the deaths of 20 Tunisians who embarked on a boat from Chebba, a coastal city near Sfax, and tragically drowned in September.

The number of irregular crossings to Europe through the central Mediterranean has seen a significant increase, with nearly 42,200 entries detected in the first four months of 2023, a rise of almost 300 percent compared to the same period last year.

There has been a staggering 1,100 percent surge in sea journeys originating from Tunisia.

While recent weather conditions in the Mediterranean have reduced the flow of migrants from Tunisia, the country continues to grapple with a socio-economic crisis characterized by high inflation and unemployment rates.