Five men have been arrested and charged as part of a major investigation into illegal migrant smuggling from the UK to France.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) made arrests in dawn raids across London yesterday November 20, which NCA branch commander Chris Hill has called a “key moment” for investigations into large-scale criminal networks.
The suspects were arrested in connection with the discovery of more than 200 North African migrants, including children, being transported in lorry trailers from the UK to France on separate occasions in 2023.
One of the suspects, a 52-year-old Algerian national, is suspected to be a high-ranking member of a people smuggling crime network. The five suspects are thought to be Algerian and Egyptian nationals, aged 43 to 54.
They appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today charged with conspiracy to facilitate the illegal entry of a person into an EU country, namely France.
Twenty people have been arrested as part of the investigation, including five men who have been convicted and jailed for transporting migrants.
Hill added: “People smugglers don’t care about the safety or wellbeing of human beings they transport, whether it is in boats or HGVs.
“They’re driven solely by profits.
“This is one of over 70 ongoing NCA operations into gangs or individuals operating at the top tier of organised immigration crime, which remains a priority for the NCA.”
Sir Keir Starmer promised to “smash the gangs” as a key part of his election campaign, saying he will treat smugglers like terrorists.
On November 4, he announced plans for a new Border Security Command, which includes assigning one hundred additional specialist investigators to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
It would also allow the Crown Prosecution Service to deliver faster charging decisions in international organised crime cases.
