UK targets people-smuggling gangs with travel bans, phone restrictions
The UK government unveiled new measures on Thursday aimed at dismantling people-smuggling networks, including travel bans and restrictions on phone and social media use for suspected criminals.
These initiatives are part of the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, designed to combat organised immigration crime.
The legislation introduces Interim Orders, empowering law enforcement to impose restrictions on individuals suspected of smuggling activities, even before a conviction. These orders, issued by the High Court, aim to disrupt criminal operations while investigations are ongoing.
“In a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, new Interim Orders will allow immediate action to disrupt and deter suspected serious criminality,” the UK Home Office announced on its website.
“This new approach will level up our response to serious crime, including organised immigration crime, with new powers mirroring those already used to disrupt other harmful criminality such as knife crime, slavery, and trafficking.”
The restrictions may include bans on travel, electronic device usage, and access to social media platforms. “Restrictions will vary on a case-by-case basis but could include: travel restrictions; a ban on laptop or mobile phone usage; a ban on accessing social media networks, including via a third party,” the Home Office added.
Limits could also be imposed on financial transactions and associations with specific individuals. Breaching these restrictions could result in up to five years in prison.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, emphasized the government’s commitment to disrupting these dangerous networks and safeguarding lives.
“Dangerous criminal people-smugglers are profiting from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. They cannot be allowed to get away with it,” Cooper said.
She highlighted recent international efforts against smuggling networks. “Stronger international collaboration has already led to important arrests and action against dangerous gangs over the last few months. We will give law enforcement stronger powers they need to pursue and stop more of these vile gang networks,” she added.
The crackdown builds on recent successes, including the disruption of a major Afghan people-smuggling ring in a joint UK-Belgian operation. The gang, responsible for transporting thousands of migrants across Europe, was also linked to serious crimes such as sexual offenses against minors.
The new measures will also bolster the Border Security Command, established with £150 million in funding to combat organised immigration crime. International partnerships with countries such as Germany and Iraq are integral to the government’s strategy to address the global dimensions of people smuggling.
“Border security is one of the foundations of this government’s Plan for Change,” Cooper said, “including making people better off, delivering safer streets, and strengthening our NHS. We will do everything in our power to deliver for working people.”
These measures reflect the UK’s strengthened approach to tackling organised crime and ensuring the safety and security of its borders.
