The National Crime Agency (NCA) and France’s Police Nationale have been targeting people smugglers and more than 300 have been arrested and 52 gangs have been dismantled over a five year period.
The Joint Intelligence Cell known as JIC/URO who are based in Northern France operated by the NCA with Home Office International Operations (HOIO) and OLTIM are specialised units that operate in tackling organised immigration and crime.
Deputy Director Rick Jones, who leads the NCA’s international network, said, “France is a key partner for the UK in the fight against organised immigration crime, and the NCA enjoys an excellent bi-lateral relationship with our French law enforcement counterparts.
“The NCA’s involvement with HOIO in JIC/URO means we have UK officers on the ground working with the French police to build proactive and reactive investigations for judicial adoption, with a particular focus on the small boats threat.
“We continue to work with French partners to identify facilitators based in Northern France, and have supplied intelligence which we know has prevented crossings and led to the arrests of the individuals involved.
“Together with them we are determined to do all we can to target these cruel people smuggling gangs who are putting lives at risk by transporting migrants across the Channel.”
Deputy Director for Home Office International Operations Victoria Pullen said, “Our joint work with the NCA and French authorities is paramount to disrupting the operation of organised criminal gangs who continue to put our borders at risk, through closer collaboration and enhanced intelligence sharing we are seeing more criminal enterprises being taken down.
“The French are our closest partner on tackling the global threat of organised immigration crime and our work with them is stronger than ever, thanks to the joint unit which has seen hundreds of arrests and seizures of unfit vessels headed for the UK, saving countless lives at sea.
“Together we make clear that we won’t stand by and watch, we are taking the action needed to secure our borders and ensure those who undermine our laws face justice for participating in this life-threatening trade.”
