Suspected people smuggler arrested in Leicestershire

It follows a joint operation between UK and German police

Author: By Jordana Seal, PAPublished 6th Dec 2024

A suspected people smuggler has been arrested in Leicestershire following a joint operation between UK and German police.

Syrian national, Mohamad Alshater, 30, was wanted for alleged involvement in a network responsible for moving migrants into Germany across the Czech Republic border.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said he was living in the Frog Island area of Leicester city centre.

Alshater was arrested by the National Extradition Unit, which is part of the NCA's Joint International Crime Centre.

He will face an extradition hearing in London next week.

Tony Allen, from the NCA's Joint International Crime Centre, said: "People smuggling is an international crime, and we are working closely with our counterparts in Germany and across Europe to target the individuals and networks involved.

"These crime groups treat people as a commodity and don't care about the risks, which is why tackling them is such a priority."

Alshater was arrested on Monday December 2 and remanded in custody.

He will appear for an extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday December 10.

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