16 May 2025, 09:03

By Lee Freeman

Organised immigration crime remains a serious and persistent problem for the UK.

What makes it even more difficult is the fact that many criminals who are responsible for these crimes are based overseas, often operating under the radar online. This means this type of crime poses particularly unique challenges for the police and other law enforcement agencies – and can cost human lives.

Every day, we see people continue to try and enter the UK illegally using several methods. The most well-known and dangerous way is via small boats across the Channel.

The consequences of these crossings can be grave; increasingly, migrants – including children – drown during the journey. Less-dangerous methods can also lead to fatalities. In 2019, 39 Vietnamese migrants suffocated in the trailer of an articulated lorry that travelled from Belgium to Essex.

Most people who make the journey use the services of criminals who are part of organised crime groups, who specialise in organised immigration crime. Not only do the activities of these groups heartbreakingly threaten the lives of those........

© LBC