Man arrested in Lancashire in connection with illegal cross-Channel small boat crossings

The man was arrested in Preston on suspicion of facilitating illegal small boat crossings Credit: PA Images/National Crime Agency

A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into an organised crime network suspected of organising cross-Channel small boat crossings.

The 38-year-old, who claims to be an Iraqi national, was detained in the early hours of Sunday in the Stefano Road area of Preston, Lancashire.

He was on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration to the UK as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

The 38-year-old, who claims to be an Iraqi national, was detained in the early hours of Sunday in the Stefano Road area of Preston. Credit: National Crime Agency

A phone and documents were also seized from the address, the agency confirmed.

The arrest relates to two small boat crossings made from France to the UK in November and December 2023, which are the subject of an NCA investigation.

The individual arrested is suspected of being a facilitator for migrants wishing to travel from Turkey to the UK, advertising people smuggling services on social media.

The 38-year-old, who claims to be an Iraqi national, was detained in the early hours of Sunday in the Stefano Road area of Preston Credit: National Crime Agency

NCA senior investigating officer Al Mullen said: "Today's arrest marks a significant point in an international investigation into organised immigration crime.

"Tackling this threat is a priority for the NCA, we have seen only in recent weeks how dangerous these crossings are.

"We are determined to do all we can, working with partners in the UK, Europe and beyond, to target, disrupt and dismantle the criminals organising them."

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