Overview
- Six people were arrested in raids across Cheltenham, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Bradford, including the suspected ringleader in Cheltenham.
- The suspects are accused of helping more than 200 migrants from Botswana submit false asylum claims with fake documents and secure illegal jobs in care homes.
- Home Office intelligence suggests the alleged gang lured migrants under false pretences and compelled them into unpaid labour.
- The raids form part of broader measures to disrupt organised smuggling networks as small boat crossings hit a record 13,617 so far this year.
- Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the operation underscores the government’s resolve to use full legal authority, complemented by tightened visa rules to curb illegal entry.