Suspected leader of people smuggling gang arrested in Portsmouth
The 45-year-old was detained on Wednesday morning
A man suspected of being a significant figure in a Kurdish organised crime group involved in smuggling people to the UK in boats and HGVs has been arrested in Portsmouth.
National Crime Agency officers, supported by colleagues from Hampshire Police, moved in to detain the 45-year-old at an address in the Kingston area of the city on Wednesday morning.
He was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration and money laundering.
Police said he is suspected of controlling a network of people smugglers throughout northern Europe and the Middle East.
NCA investigators believe the network may have been involved in smuggling hundreds of people to the UK, charging them thousands of pounds each time.
The man is now in custody being questioned by NCA investigators.
A second man, also suspected of being a high-ranking member of the crime group, was arrested in Italy last month.
Extradition proceedings are now underway to bring him to the UK to face charges.
NCA senior investigating officer Rachel Bramley said: "This arrest marks a significant point in an investigation that has been going on for around two years now.
"It is our belief that this crime group were involved in people smuggling activities using a range of methods, all of which were dangerous and potentially life-threatening for those being smuggled.
"Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA, and our investigation into this network continues."