The National Crime Agency (NCA) has successfully cracked down on a ruthless people smuggling gang accused of moving Vietnamese migrants into the United Kingdom using lorries and small boats.
Five suspects are now in custody following a major swoop by law enforcement officers.
A 22-year-old man from Rotherham was arrested in an early morning raid today. Four other men, who were already serving jail sentences for money laundering and identity fraud, were brought back in for fresh questioning linked to the smuggling racket.
The suspects are believed to be key players in a well-organised crime network ferrying migrants from France into the UK. Disturbingly, the gang reportedly holds migrants’ genuine Vietnamese passports, using them to trap individuals in crippling debt bondage.
The NCA has emphasised that this fight against people smuggling is far from over. Around 100 different investigations targeting human smuggling gangs are currently ongoing.
“Our investigation continues with the evidence we have gathered today,” said an NCA spokesperson.
Originally published by UKNIP.
