Border Security Chief Vows to Crush Smuggling Gangs with Global Crackdown
The head of the Border Security Command has pledged to dismantle international smuggling gangs, calling for a united global effort to end their deadly trade. “I know from my 30 years in the police just how extensive international criminal networks can be, spanning continents to peddle their illegal trade. People smuggling gangs are no different,” he said.
“As with all organised crime, there is a terrible human cost to the activities of those smuggling men, women and children across borders.”
Smugglers care only about profits and show no concern for the misery and danger they inflict. The tragic consequences of their actions were clear last year when 78 people lost their lives attempting to cross the Channel. Some drowned at sea while others suffocated in the backs of lorries.
This crisis is not unique to the UK. Countries worldwide are struggling with rising levels of illegal migration, which not only leads to unimaginable suffering but also weakens border security and erodes confidence in immigration systems. No single nation can solve this issue alone.
Since taking on the role of Border Security Commander last year, efforts have been made to strengthen international partnerships. Agreements have been signed with Iraq and Western Balkan countries to improve border security and information sharing, while a new joint task force with Italy targets the profits of smuggling networks.
Collaboration with France has increased enforcement activity along the northern coast to intercept small boats before they reach the sea. Efforts also extend to source and transit countries where many migrants begin their journeys.
There have been real successes. Cooperation with Dutch, Belgian, Bulgarian, Italian and Kurdish authorities has led to the arrests of gang members suspected of organising thousands of crossings and supplying boat equipment. The National Crime Agency has expressed gratitude for the extraordinary cooperation it receives from partners across Europe and beyond.
Work is also underway to cut off the supply of equipment used in these crossings. Agreements with Bulgaria and Germany are strengthening law enforcement efforts. The UK-Germany Joint Action Plan will ensure smugglers operating in Germany face justice for their crimes.
At home, the Border Security Asylum and Immigration Bill is progressing through Parliament. This legislation will expand law enforcement powers to disrupt and prevent organised immigration crime by creating new offences and increasing data-sharing capabilities.
The government and law enforcement officials from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America will gather at a major summit to intensify efforts against people smuggling gangs. The goal is to secure borders, prevent the exploitation of vulnerable migrants and tackle organised immigration crime on an international scale.
In the coming months, priorities will focus on dismantling the financial and logistical networks that sustain human smuggling operations. “We will continue working with other governments and law enforcement partners worldwide to ensure we can curb the activities of these criminal gangs,” the Border Security Commander stated.
“Global problems call for international solutions and that is exactly what the Border Security Command was established to do. No matter where they are operating, be it the UK or globally, we will stop at nothing to bring an end to this deadly trade.”
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