People smuggling arrests in Belfast after crackdown on Common Travel Area
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), the Government department said.
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.
The CTA allows free travel between the islands of Great Britain, Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, 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.
“We are taking the fight to them on all fronts under the leadership of our new Border Security Commander.
“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, said: “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.
"I'm incredibly proud of our teams across the country, as well as our partners from the police, the National Crime Agency , and international counterparts, for their hard work and collaboration in carrying out this important operation."