North Shields man arrested after investigation into suspected people-smuggling operation
He's the fourth member of a suspected group operating in Tyne and Wear
A fourth member of a suspected organised crime group operating out of Tyne and Wear has been arrested as part of a pre-dawn operation this morning (Thursday 26 January).
Home Office teams executed a warrant at a property in North Shields following an investigation into a suspected people-smuggling operation.
A 40-year-old man was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigation unit. His arrest is the fourth to be made in connection with suspected criminal activity targeting UK Channel ports.
Three of the four individuals were stopped and questioned at the UK-France border by Border Force officials after attempting to bring Albanian nationals through immigration controls. The suspect was placed in custody following his arrest and transported to Northumbria Police Headquarters in Wallsend, where further enquiries will be made.
Robert Jenrick, Immigration Minister said:
“This morning’s arrest is further evidence of our steadfast determination to dismantle the criminal gangs profiting from smuggling people into our country.
“The Home Secretary and I would like to pay tribute to our dedicated teams who work relentlessly to disrupt these networks and bring them to justice.
“People smugglers and those thinking about abusing our immigration laws should be in no doubt that we will stop at nothing to ensure they face the full force of the law.”
Stuart Stokes, Assistant Director from the Criminal and Financial Investigation unit, said:
“Operations like this are made possible by the dedication and commitment of our officers, who work tirelessly to find and arrest those seeking to abuse our immigration system.
“We will continue to work hard to protect our borders and keep the British public safe.”
The Nationality and Borders Act made it a criminal offence to knowingly arrive in the UK illegally and introduced life sentences for those who facilitate illegal entry to the UK.
Over 140 people have been convicted under the Nationality and Borders Act since it was introduced in June 2022.
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