A 25-year-old Afghan man has been charged over suspected cross-border people smuggling from Ireland into the UK. The National Crime Agency (NCA) launched an investigation after his arrest at Belfast’s Grand Central station.
Facilitator Caught with Family on Train from Dublin
Abad Ulla Alimi, living in Dublin, was stopped on 19 November after arriving by train with four other Afghan nationals. Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers identified him as a suspected smuggling facilitator.
Alimi was travelling alongside a couple and their two young children. All five are believed to have been attempting to enter the UK illegally via the Common Travel Area.
Crossing Routes and Court Appearance
- The group reportedly travelled from France to Ireland before taking the train from Dublin to Belfast, with plans to continue onto England.
- Following his arrest, Alimi was questioned by NCA officers and charged with assisting unlawful immigration on 20 November.
- He is set to appear at Laganside Magistrates Court on 21 November.
- The accompanying family were handed over to immigration authorities.
The NCA continues to crack down on those facilitating illegal immigration across UK borders.
