Man Busted in Major People Smuggling Crackdown
A man has been charged with people smuggling as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) probe targeting a migrant trafficking ring suspected of moving people out of the UK.
Arrest in Ashford Stings Migrant Network
Muhamed Alievski, 28, from Macedonia, was nabbed by NCA officers at Javelin Way, Ashford, Kent, on the morning of Saturday 5 August. At the time, he was with a 22-year-old Albanian national wanted for breaching a court order linked to drug convictions. Both were taken into custody.
After questioning, Alievski was charged with taking part in an organised people smuggling crime group.
Remanded in Custody Ahead of Crown Court Trial
Alievski appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He was remanded in custody and is due back at Canterbury Crown Court on 4 September.
NCA Warns of Risks to Border Security
“Tackling organised immigration crime is a priority for the NCA and we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle the networks involved,” said NCA Branch Commander Matt Rivers.
“Those who help people leave the UK in lorries not only endanger the individuals being smuggled but also pose a serious risk to border security.
We’ve seen serious criminals try to escape the UK this way. That’s why we and our law enforcement partners remain vigilant to these threats.”
