A three-day nationwide crackdown on people-smuggling gangs has resulted in the arrest of 31 individuals across the UK. The operation, spearheaded by the Home Office, targeted those exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA) and profiting from illegal migration.
In a coordinated effort involving Immigration Enforcement, UK police forces, and international partners, the crackdown focused on key locations including Belfast, Scotland, Liverpool, and Luton. The raids were aimed at disrupting smuggling routes and dismantling criminal networks that charge vulnerable migrants large sums to enter the UK illegally, often under false pretences.
Officers carried out extensive checks at major ports, airports, and road networks, where £400,000 in criminal cash and ten fraudulent identity documents were seized. These fake documents are a critical tool for people-smuggling gangs, enabling them to bypass border controls and keep migrants in precarious legal situations. By profiting from the desperation of those seeking refuge or a better life, the gangs further entrap their victims, placing them at risk of legal repercussions and unsafe living conditions.
The operation was led by Immigration Enforcement’s Criminal and Financial Investigations team in Northern Ireland, in collaboration with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the National Crime Agency (NCA), and multiple police forces across the UK. The crackdown is part of a broader strategy to combat human trafficking and illegal migration at key entry points.
Commenting on the success of the operation, Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said:
“This government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, risking their lives and giving them false hopes of a better life in the UK. Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship, and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations.”
Dame Angela highlighted that the UK government is intensifying efforts to combat smuggling networks across multiple routes, not only focusing on the small boats crossing the English Channel but also targeting other illicit entry points. The minister also praised the leadership of the UK’s new Border Security Commander in spearheading these operations.
“We are taking the fight to them on all fronts. Dismantling the business models of these gangs does not just apply to the small boats trade – we are also stamping out other routes into the UK to bring them to justice and slash their profits.”
Jonathan Evans, Home Office Immigration Enforcement Inspector, emphasised the scale of the effort and its success in curbing illegal activities:
“This operation has been a huge success and sends a clear message that the smuggling gangs who break our laws will face serious consequences. We are taking action day in, day out to ensure we stay a step ahead of these criminal groups, disrupting them at the earliest possible stage. We will continue working relentlessly to ensure no one abuses the Common Travel Area or the UK’s borders.”
He also praised the collaboration between law enforcement agencies both domestically and internationally, which contributed to the operation’s success. Evans added that the government remains committed to tracking and dismantling people-smuggling networks to prevent further exploitation.
