Belgium, Germany and Italy join forces in Europol operation, resulting in multiple arrests for migrant smuggling across the English Channel
Several raids were carried out on 19 March 2025 by German authorities, with the support of investigators from the Belgian Federal Police. The operation targeted a criminal network based in Germany, facilitating the crossing of the English Channel by small boats. It resulted in 6 arrests under Belgian judicial orders.
In 2023, a criminal network in Germany began assisting Middle Eastern and North African migrants in crossing the English Channel using small boats. The network was well-organised and arranged several trips a day. One of the main suspects, a 25-year-old Iraqi national residing in Germany, was arrested on 10 March 2025 at Charleroi Airport while attempting to board a flight to Greece. After interrogation, he was detained on suspicion of human smuggling and involvement in a criminal organisation.
On 19 March 2025, officers from the German Federal Police raided 11 locations in search of nautical equipment used to smuggle migrants to the UK, under search and arrest warrants issued by the Belgian court. Ten Belgian investigators were deployed to the German region of North Rhine-Westphalia to support the operational activities on the ground. The operation was also supported by Italy and Eurojust. The operation resulted in 6 arrests (5 in Germany and 1 in Italy) under Belgian judicial order and the seizure of 90 life vests, jerrycans, 2 firearms, and more than 47 electronic devices.
The operation on 19 March 2025, involving Belgian authorities, aligns with the Belgian government's commitment to swiftly and resolutely dismantle human trafficking networks, as outlined in the recent government agreement.
For further details, please read the press release from Europol.