More than 30 people have been arrested across the UK in a Home Office crackdown against people smuggling gangs and those exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA). Immigration enforcement teams worked with the National Crime Agency, UK police forces and international partners to arrest 31 people in various locations across the UK including Belfast, Liverpool, Luton and Scotland as part of a three-day operation.
Checks were carried out at major ports, airports and road networks and resulted in the seizure of £400,000 of criminal cash and 10 fraudulent identity documents. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, expressed the government’s strong stance against criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals, risking lives, and providing false hopes of a better life in the UK. She highlighted the greed-driven actions of these gangs, preying on desperate individuals to force them into illegal and hazardous situations.
Jonathan Evans, Home Office immigration enforcement inspector, praised the operation’s success in sending a clear message to smuggling gangs about facing serious consequences for breaking the law. The collaborative effort between enforcement teams, police, National Crime Agency, and international partners was commended for disrupting criminal groups at an early stage.
The crackdown aims to dismantle the business models of these gangs by targeting various routes into the UK and bringing perpetrators to justice while reducing their profits. The focus is on preventing abuse of the Common Travel Area and UK borders. A statement from the Home Office emphasised the commitment to staying ahead of criminal groups by continuously disrupting their activities and ensuring border security.
The dedication and collaboration of teams across the country, along with partners from law enforcement agencies and international counterparts, were acknowledged for their hard work in executing the operation. The government’s efforts underscore the importance of safeguarding individuals from exploitation and maintaining the integrity of border controls.