UK Cracks Down on People Smuggling Gangs Exploiting Ireland Border

Operation Comby leads to 35 arrests and uncovers criminal networks using the Common Travel Area to bypass immigration controls.

The UK Home Office's three-day operation targeted people-smuggling gangs exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA) between Ireland and the UK.
Authorities arrested 35 individuals across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England, seizing £5,000 in cash, a car, and two counterfeit identity documents.
Criminal gangs are charging migrants up to £7,000 for routes through Ireland, marketing it as a safer alternative to dangerous Channel crossings.
Officials identified fraudulent Ukrainian passports and other counterfeit documents used to evade border controls, with investigations now involving Europol.
The CTA allows free travel for UK and Irish citizens but has become a focus for smugglers, prompting intensified enforcement to disrupt their operations.