Major Crackdown on English Channel Migrant Smuggling Network

A coordinated operation across Germany, France, and Belgium has led to the arrest of 19 individuals involved in one of the largest migrant smuggling rings.

The operation targeted an Iraqi-Kurdish network suspected of smuggling thousands of migrants across the English Channel in low-quality inflatable boats.
Nineteen people, including the network's leader and main organizers, were arrested in raids at 28 locations across Germany.
Europol stated the gang was capable of sending up to eight vessels to the UK every day, charging migrants between €1,000 and €3,000 for a crossing.
More than 100,000 people have illegally entered the UK by boat since 2020, with the UK government prioritizing the reduction of these crossings.
Investigations into the network's financial and money laundering activities are ongoing, highlighting the operation's complexity and international collaboration.

BBC

Voice of America (VOA News)