Man wanted in Belgium in connection with smuggling arrested
Its after a boat travelled to Belgium from Essex
A man wanted in Belgium in connection with a people smuggling investigation has been arrested in North London.
Isa Ertem, who's 47 and a British National, was arrested in Southgate by the National Crime Agency.
He's wanted by prosecutors in Belgium in connection with the attempted smuggling of eight people on a yacht from Burnham on Crouch in Essex.
The eight people and skipper were detained in Niuewpoort near the French border last August.
A Belgian investigating magistrate issued an arrest warrant in January 2022, and Ertem will now appear before Westminster Magistrates where extradition proceedings will commence.
The NCA’s Head of Organised Immigration Crime Operations, Martin Grace, said: “The NCA continues to work closely with partners in France, Belgium and beyond to target the organised crime groups involved in cross-Channel people smuggling.
“We are clear that where we can identify there are UK links to this criminality we will take action.
“Organised immigration crime is exploitative and dangerous, we have seen the tragic consequences it can have. This is why it remains a priority for the NCA.”