Three Foreign Crew Nabbed in Bold People-Smuggling Sting Off East Anglia
Three foreign nationals face people smuggling charges after a fishing boat was caught off East Anglia’s coast. The National Crime Agency (NCA), Immigration Enforcement, and Border Force mounted an intelligence-led operation, intercepting the vessel Tuesday night.
Ukrainian and Latvian Crew Held After Harwich Docking
The crew – Igor Kosyi, 56, and Volodymyr Mykhailov, 48, both from Ukraine, along with Aleksandrs Gulpe, 43, from Latvia – appeared at Colchester Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody.
The boat had departed from Belgium’s Ostend area. Border Force cutters Searcher and Vigilant escorted it into Harwich harbour early Wednesday morning. The three were arrested on arrival without a fuss.
Nearly 70 Albanians Found on Board, Now in Immigration Custody
Authorities found 69 Albanian nationals hidden on the vessel. They were arrested under suspicion of Immigration Act offences and are now in the hands of Immigration Enforcement officers. Essex Police also helped with the operation in Harwich.
NCA Vows to Smash People-Smuggling Gangs
“This was clearly a significant incident and a bold attempt to breach the UK’s border controls by organised criminals,” said NCA Deputy Director Chris Farrimond.
“Our investigation is ongoing. I’d like to thank Essex Police, Border Force, and Immigration Enforcement for their support.
“We’re determined to disrupt and dismantle people-smuggling networks and stop them exploiting vulnerable migrants for profit.
“Our aim is to target the criminals, safeguard those at risk, and secure the UK’s borders.”
