Smuggling fees on Europe’s sea routes reached up to €438 million in 2025
UNODC estimates that migrants paid between €334 million and €438 million (US$388 million–US$509 million) in smuggling fees on Europe’s four main sea routes in 2025. UNODC and IOM reported that 190,000 to 209,000 people were smuggled on those routes; 3,404 people died or went missing, while 104,200 were intercepted and returned.
Bottom line — The Central Mediterranean was the busiest route, with 84,000 to 100,400 attempted crossings.
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UNODC estimates the Central Mediterranean route carried 84,000 to 100,400 people, ahead of the Eastern Mediterranean’s 48,400 to 51,300.
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The Northwest African Atlantic route recorded 33,000 people smuggled; the Western Mediterranean route recorded 24,500, according to UNODC.
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Nearly half of migrants surveyed by IOM who sought passage to Italy or Malta from North Africa or Türkiye said they paid more than €6,400 (US$7,500) each.
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IOM reported that fees on the Northwest African Atlantic route could be as low as €145 (US$170) per person.
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UNODC estimates that 72–86% of people departing on the Central Mediterranean route were smuggled; it says not everyone attempting irregular entry was smuggled.