Kingpin Nabbed in Major People-Smuggling Crackdown
In a dramatic swoop, the National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested seven suspects yesterday, including the alleged ringleader of a people smuggling ring. Raids hit targets across south London, Surrey, Oxfordshire, and Hartlepool.
Lorries and Vans Used to Sneak Migrants from France
Investigators believe the gang used lorries and hired vans to ferry migrants from France into the UK. Some desperate migrants reportedly paid a staggering £20,000 to £25,000 each to make the journey.
£100,000s Flowing Through Suspect Bank Accounts
NCA financial teams uncovered multiple bank accounts linked to the network, showing turnovers of tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. Around £30,000 in cash was seized during the raids.
Seven Held Over People Smuggling and Money Laundering
All seven arrested are being questioned on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal entry and laundering money. The operation involved around 100 officers and had support from the Metropolitan Police and Immigration Enforcement.
