London: Suspected people smugglers arrested in NCA dawn raids

They all appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with conspiracy to facilitate the illegal entry of a person into an EU country, namely France.

Twenty people have been arrested as part of this investigation, including five men who have since been convicted and jailed for transporting migrants.

NCA branch commander Chris Hill said the arrests represented a “key moment” in their investigation into large-scale criminal networks.

He added: “People smugglers don’t care about the safety or wellbeing of human beings they transport, whether it is in boats or HGVs.

“They’re driven solely by profits.

“This is one of over 70 ongoing NCA operations into gangs or individuals operating at the top tier of organised immigration crime, which remains a priority for the NCA.”