26.10.2022
Six alleged smugglers have been arrested in a joint operation between The UK and France.
Six people from Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and France have been arrested after a joint operation between the National Crime Agency and French authorities has led to the dismantling of a people smuggling network storing boats in Northern France.
Four boats well as the motors and 133 lifejackets were seized from a garage lockup during their arrests on the 18th and 20th of October.
French police found that between the 29th of July and the smuggler’s arrests on the 18th of October, the six men had reportedly visited the garage at least 20 times. During that period they had taken the deliveries of the boats amd motors which would have been used to transport illegal immigrants across the Channel to the UK.
The arrested smugglers, from Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and France, will now stand trial in the French courts in February 2023.
The NCA has stated that they work closely with French police in what they call a Joint Intelligence Cell. The joint operation allowed NCA officers on the ground in France in which they were exchanging intelligence and working to build investigations into suspected small boat people smugglers profiting from illegal immigration.
NCA Deputy Director Andrea Wilson said:
“These arrests and the significant seizure of boats and lifejackets are a result of the close partnership working between the NCA and our partners in France.”
“Seizing these items means they will not be utilised by criminal gangs sending people on these dangerous Channel crossings.”
“Using our international networks and partnerships, the NCA will continue to target people smuggling gangs across borders in our fight against those involved in organised immigration crime.”
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