Two suspected people smugglers have been arrested in London by the National Crime Agency’s specialist National Extradition Unit officers.
Albanian national Lulzim Brahaj, 47, and Iraqi national Rebin Sharif, 25, were apprehended yesterday following an NCA investigation.
The pair appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court as extradition proceedings commenced, following a request from French authorities.
The arrests were carried out by officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre on behalf of French prosecutors.
Two suspected people smugglers have been arrested in London
NEU
French prosecutors accuse both men of involvement in organising small boat crossings across the Channel during 2022.
The suspects are alleged to have recruited migrants seeking to cross the Channel illegally.
They are also wanted in connection with money laundering activities that took place between January 2021 and June 2023.
The charges include involvement in organised crime offences, according to French authorities.
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The suspects are alleged to have recruited migrants seeking to cross the Channel illegally
PA
NCA Regional Head of Investigations Jacque Beer highlighted the successful operation by the agency’s extradition unit.
“Thanks to the work of the NCA’s extradition unit, two suspected people smugglers have been traced and arrested,” Beer said.
He emphasised the dangers posed by smuggling operations, stating: “Smuggling gangs risk the lives of the people they transport purely for profit and greed, they do not care about the risks or their safety.”
Beer added: “Tackling people smuggling is a priority for the NCA and we will continue our close working with our partners in France and across Europe to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle the groups behind these crossings.”
The new Border Security Bill will also impose 14-year prison sentences on those who supply or handle small boat equipment for people smuggling operations
PA
Migrants who resist rescue attempts in the Channel until reaching British waters will face up to five years in jail under new legislation tabled last week by Labour.
In a “counter-terror-inspired” crackdown, the Border Security Bill will also impose 14-year prison sentences on those who supply or handle small boat equipment for people smuggling operations.
The new offence targets migrants who use physical aggression, intimidation or coercive behaviour to overload boats during Channel crossings.
It follows a record 78 migrant deaths in the Channel last year, with official sources reporting cases of people being crushed to death on overcrowded dinghies carrying up to 120 passengers.