A man connected with one of Europe’s most significant people smuggling rings has been arrested in Wolverhampton.
In a statement, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said it took part in a major operation targeting a Syrian organised crime group connected with people smuggling across the continent.
Led by German investigators, the sting is backed by the UK agency and involves police forces from Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
At least 20 people were arrested in a series of raids on Wednesday – including Iraqi national Hussam Al Ramli, 35, who was apprehended by NCA investigators at his home in Bilston, Wolverhampton.
The NCA said in a statement: “He is alleged to have arranged for migrants to illegally cross the border from Belarus to Poland on behalf of the crime group, then arranged their onward journeys to the Poland-Germany border.
“He’s also accused of advertising the service on the internet.
“Polish police officers accompanied the NCA to the arrest in Wolverhampton, and Al Ramli now faces being sent to Poland where he is wanted for people smuggling offences. He is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ where extradition proceedings will commence.”
In a statement, NCA Director of Investigations John Denley said that the Europe-wide sting shows “why international cooperation was so crucial”.
He added: “Tackling people smuggling is a key priority for the NCA, and we are putting more resource into targeting, disrupting and dismantling the groups behind it than ever before.
“This includes working closely with our European partners to target these networks who threaten our border security, see people as a commodity and put lives at risk.”
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The 20 detained are allegedly responsible for smuggling at least 750 Syrian migrants into the UK and Germany, charging each one between €4,500 and €12,000 (£3,746 and £9,990).
Once in Europe, the migrants would be moved through the Balkans and then into Eastern Europe, before being taken to Germany.
In some cases, around a hundred people would be moved at a time. Those continuing to the UK would be transported through the Netherlands and then in boats or heavy goods vehicles.
Other raids across Europe on Wednesday led to four arrests in Germany, six in Austria, six in Serbia, and three in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Searches were also carried out in the Netherlands, according to the NCA, and vehicles, cash, and electronic equipment were seized by authorities.
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Dame Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said the government “will stop at nothing to root out criminal networks wherever we find them”.
“This includes working with partners overseas in collective pursuit of organised criminal smuggling gangs,” she said.
“The UK’s National Crime Agency has played a critical role in this major international operation.
“Which is exactly why, with our new Border Security Command, we are investing more funding and resource into this vital work. This significant arrest is another prime example of the kind of work we will deliver more of.
“Criminals profiteering from human suffering should be in no doubt that we will dismantle their networks and end this evil trade.”
