Six Afghan Nationals Arrested in UK Smuggling Operation

Six Afghan nationals have been arrested in the UK as part of a major investigation into a cross-European people smuggling ring, coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Belgian police. The arrests occurred at various locations in Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry, and Essex, following warrants issued by Belgian courts. The suspects are accused of orchestrating the transport of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans into Western Europe, before moving them to the UK via small boats, particularly targeting individuals whose asylum claims were rejected in Belgium. The organized crime group has reportedly been operational since 2022 and utilized social media to communicate with migrants. Three of the arrested individuals have appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court, with extradition proceedings underway. NCA officials emphasized their commitment to disrupting such criminal networks and continue to collaborate with international partners to combat organized immigration crime.