Smugglers orchestrating Channel crossings use secret supply route spanning Turkey, Germany and France, NCA reveals

Investigation uncovers network used to provide life jackets, engines and boats for crossings

Gangs using safe houses and encrypted messages to operate ‘sophisticated’ people-smuggling routes

A clandestine supply route spanning three countries has been uncovered as part of a major investigation into people-smuggling gangs orchestrating Channel crossings.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the network was used to provide life jackets, engines and boats for the perilous journeys, which have claimed the lives of dozens of people this year.

Investigators found that the gangs were using safe houses and encrypted messages to operate the “sophisticated” smuggling routes across Turkey, Germany and France.

The NCA said the investigation had resulted in a number of arrests and seizures, including the discovery of a warehouse in Germany containing 100 life jackets and 10 engines.

The agency said the supply route was being used by gangs to smuggle people across the Channel in small boats, often in dangerous weather conditions.

The NCA said it was working with partners in other countries to disrupt the smuggling networks and bring those responsible to justice.

How the supply route was uncovered

The NCA investigation began in early 2022 after a number of small boats were intercepted in the Channel.

Investigators were able to track the boats back to a number of safe houses in France and Germany.

The NCA said the safe houses were being used to store life jackets, engines and other equipment used for the crossings.

Investigators also found that the gangs were using encrypted messages to communicate with each other.

The NCA said the messages showed that the gangs were well-organized and had a clear understanding of the routes being used to smuggle people across the Channel.

The arrests and seizures

The NCA investigation has resulted in a number of arrests and seizures, including the discovery of a warehouse in Germany containing 100 life jackets and 10 engines.

The NCA said the warehouse was being used by a gang to store equipment for the crossings.

The NCA also arrested a number of individuals in France and Germany who are suspected of being involved in the smuggling operation.

The NCA said the arrests and seizures had disrupted the smuggling networks and had sent a clear message that those involved in people-smuggling would be brought to justice.

The NCA’s response

The NCA said it was committed to working with partners in other countries to disrupt the smuggling networks and bring those responsible to justice.

The agency said it was also working to raise awareness of the dangers of Channel crossings and to deter people from attempting the journey.

The NCA said it was important to remember that Channel crossings were dangerous and that people should not risk their lives by attempting the journey.