Suspected Gang Leaders Arrested for Smuggling Illegal Immigrants on Small Boats

A group of illegal immigrants are brought by a Border Force vessel to Dover, Kent, on May 19, 2023. Gareth Fuller/PA Media

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has arrested three alleged members of an Albanian organised crime group that has facilitated illegal entry of numerous immigrants into the UK.

The suspected group ringleaders, a 34-year-old man from Grays, Essex, and a 34-year-old man from Dagenham, London, were arrested on Monday. The illegal entry of immigrants was allegedly carried out via small boat and HGV transfers.