French and UK Cops Smash Migrant Smuggling Gang
The National Crime Agency (NCA) teamed up with French immigration crime unit OCRIEST to bust a ruthless people-smuggling network. The joint probe, launched last November under the Anglo-French Joint Intelligence Cell (JIC), saw suspects monitored closely before last week’s dramatic arrests.
10 Arrested in French Raid
French police swooped in the Yvelines region, west of Paris, arresting ten people linked to the gang. Eight were charged with facilitating illegal immigration, with three key suspects—believed to be gang bosses—remanded in custody.
Boats Bought, Buried, Used for Deadly Crossings
The gang bought second-hand boats online, deflated and buried them along Pas-de-Calais beaches. Each boat ferried 10 to 15 migrants, charging €2,500 to €3,000 per journey to the UK. Police believe the group attempted at least six Channel crossings, foiling three attempts so far.
NCA Boss Praises Anglo-French Teamwork
“Operations like these show the power of working closely with our French counterparts,” said Miles Bonfield, head of organised immigration crime at the NCA. “The Joint Intelligence Cell puts our officers on the ground in France, sharing intelligence and disrupting dangerous smuggling gangs who risk lives with unseaworthy dinghies.”
Since the JIC was set up in July 2021, French law enforcement has arrested over 180 suspected smugglers, striking a big blow to organised crime gangs operating across the Channel.
