Belgian Police Bust People Smuggling Gang Near UK Coast
Belgian police stopped a high-powered rigid hulled inflatable boat from leaving the coast near Nieuwpoort, Flanders, on 30 October. They detained twelve migrants, believed to be Albanian nationals, and arrested two men from Basingstoke, Hampshire, accused of people smuggling.
NCA Joins the Hunt, Arrests Another Suspect in Buckinghamshire
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) also arrested a third suspect tied to the smuggling ring in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. He was later released under investigation as inquiries continue.
Recent Raids Lead to Further Arrests in Sherwood
On 29 November, NCA officers raided a property off Mansfield Road in Sherwood. They arrested two Albanian men, aged 48 and 44, on suspicion of assisting unlawful immigration. Both remain in custody for questioning.
NCA Commander Vows to Crack Down on People Smugglers
“Our investigation is focused on individuals suspected of involvement in the October attempt to circumvent UK border controls using a high-powered boat,” said NCA Branch Commander Colin Williams.
“Tackling people smugglers is a priority for the NCA, and we are doing all we can to target the networks impacting on the UK, whether they are operating on our shores or overseas.”
The NCA is working closely with Belgian Federal Police, Border Force, and Immigration Enforcement to crack down on these dangerous smuggling networks.
