https://arab.news/jz45v
- Arrest comes amid ongoing trafficking of migrants across English Channel in small boats
- Government announces £100m package to ‘tackle criminal networks head on’
LONDON: A 22-year-old Iranian has been arrested in the UK on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.
The man, who was arrested in the city of Birmingham, was detained following a BBC investigation into people-smuggling activities by gangs transporting people in small boats across the English Channel.
He is due to be questioned by National Crime Agency officers about human trafficking of migrants from northern France to the UK.
The NCA said it is investigating 91 groups or individuals involved in people smuggling and other serious immigration offenses.
Jacque Beer, the NCA’s regional head of investigations, told the BBC: “People smugglers operate for profit without concern for the safety of those they transport.”
Dame Angela Eagle, the UK’s minister for border security, said she would “not stand by and let this vile trade continue,” adding that the government had “announced the investment of a further £100 million ($134.36 million) this week to tackle the criminal networks head on.”