"Migrant demand to reach the UK unlawfully continues to be high, and the conflict in Iran is likely to exacerbate this challenge. Migration crises typically follow conflicts, as people flee violence and instability. While he doesn't anticipate an absolutely massive increase from Iran, the conflict could lead more individuals to attempt the dangerous Channel crossing in small boats."
"People-smuggling networks remain the NCA's top operational priority, accounting for around a quarter of the agency's work. Recent successes include the seizure of over 500 boats and engines in 2025 and the arrest and imprisonment of key smuggling operatives across Europe, including individuals from Iraq, Libya, Ethiopia, Turkey, Germany, and France."
"The majority of those arriving in the UK are still nationals from the Horn of Africa, who now represent a larger group attempting to cross the Channel than Albanians or Vietnamese migrants. The NCA is taking a comprehensive approach to target the smuggling trade at all levels, focusing on finances, equipment, and communications."
The National Crime Agency head warns that geopolitical conflicts, particularly the US-Israel-Iran situation, will likely drive more people to attempt illegal Channel crossings to the UK. Migration crises historically follow conflicts as individuals flee violence and instability. Horn of Africa nationals currently represent the largest group attempting Channel crossings, surpassing Albanian and Vietnamese migrants. People-smuggling networks remain the NCA's top operational priority, consuming approximately a quarter of agency resources. Recent enforcement successes include seizing over 500 boats and engines in 2025 and imprisoning key smuggling operatives across multiple European countries. The NCA employs a comprehensive strategy targeting smuggling operations through finances, equipment, and communications while collaborating with UK police and immigration enforcement. Over 45,000 people crossed the Channel from France in the previous year.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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