Tackling Organised Immigration Crime with Stronger Measures
The UK government has unveiled a robust new strategy to dismantle people-smuggling gangs as part of a broader effort to combat organised immigration crime. Tough new measures will be introduced under the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, aimed at strengthening border security and cracking down on dangerous criminal networks.
Suspected people smugglers will now face stringent restrictions, including travel bans, social media blackouts, and limitations on phone and internet usage. These measures will also impose controls on financial transactions to prevent illicit earnings from supporting further criminal activity.
Introducing Interim Orders for Immediate Action
The cornerstone of the government’s approach is the introduction of Interim Orders, a major enhancement to existing Serious Crime Prevention Orders. These Interim Orders will allow law enforcement agencies, such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and police forces, to act swiftly against individuals suspected of serious criminal activities. Unlike the current process, which requires a conviction and lengthy legal procedures, Interim Orders can be applied immediately by seeking approval from the High Court.
The restrictions that can be imposed under these orders include:
- Travel bans to prevent cross-border smuggling operations.
- Prohibitions on accessing mobile phones, laptops, and social media.
- Restrictions on communications with specific individuals or groups involved in criminal activities.
- Controls on financial resources to limit the movement of illicit funds.
Those who breach an Interim Order may face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison.
Strengthening Border Security and Law Enforcement
This legislative overhaul is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which focuses on making border security more robust while improving public safety and tackling illegal migration. The measures are backed by £150 million in funding and will enhance the operational capabilities of the newly formed Border Security Command.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, commented on the announcement:
“People-smuggling gangs exploit the vulnerable, undermine border security, and endanger lives. We are equipping our law enforcement agencies with stronger powers to crack down on these networks and bring offenders to justice.”
International Cooperation and Recent Success
The announcement follows the recent disruption of a major Afghan people-smuggling ring by the NCA in collaboration with Belgian authorities. Three key individuals were arrested in the UK after fleeing Belgium to evade prosecution. This group was responsible for smuggling thousands of migrants into Europe and the UK. Belgian courts have already sentenced 20 members of the gang to a combined 170 years in prison.
In addition to stronger domestic enforcement, the UK is strengthening global partnerships to address organised immigration crime. Recent agreements with Germany and Iraq aim to improve cross-border cooperation and dismantle criminal networks.
A Comprehensive Approach to Illegal Migration
In the last six months, significant progress has been made in enforcing immigration laws. Nearly 13,500 individuals without legal rights to remain in the UK have been removed. The government is committed to restoring order to the asylum system, processing cases efficiently, and reducing backlogs while continuing to disrupt people-smuggling networks.
This new legislation, combined with international collaboration, represents a decisive step in addressing illegal migration and ensuring safer borders.
