People smugglers to see finances targeted by UK
New sanctions targeting the finances of people smuggling networks will make it harder for criminal gangs to profit from the deadly trade, the Home Office said.
The British government says proposed measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration into the UK are expected to come into force this year.
The sanctions are designed to disrupt financial flows and are believed to be the first in the world to specifically target people smugglers.
Sir Keir Starmer said the move would hamper “the illegal financial rings used by smugglers to traffic in vulnerable people across Europe”.
“We must dismantle the criminal gangs that facilitate violations of our borders,” the Prime Minister said.
Under the proposed measures, which have not yet been finalized, UK individuals and financial institutions will be legally prohibited from dealing with sanctioned groups.
The government will introduce new legislation for the program, which will be drafted by government sanctions experts working with law enforcement and Home Office staff.
Foreign Secretary David Lamy will set out more details in a speech on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of his speech, he said the measures would “help prevent, combat, deter and disrupt irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants into the UK”.
In 2024, the number of people detected crossing the English Channel in small boats was rose by a quarter, Increase from 29,437 in 2023 to 36,816.
However, this is down from the record 45,755 in 2022.
below Strengthening powers to combat people smuggling It was announced in November that Britain’s Border Security Command had been given permission to freeze the bank accounts of smuggling networks.
Meanwhile, ministers announced new laws allowing Travel bans, social media blocks and phone restrictions An investigation earlier this month targeted suspected people smugglers.
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said Labor had “no credibility in tackling the evil trade of people smuggling”.
“In Parliament they voted against tougher penalties and life sentences for people smugglers, abolished Rwanda’s deterrent force and championed the rights of dangerous criminals and foreign criminals over the safety of British people.”