The UK government has imposed unprecedented sanctions on 25 individuals, groups, and companies accused of masterminding or enabling illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel.
The measures target gang leaders, corrupt officials, and suppliers of small boats and equipment, freezing their assets, banning them from the UK, and cutting them off from the UK financial system. This 'landmark' move is part of a broader crackdown on organized immigration crime, aiming to disrupt the billion-dollar people-smuggling industry. Critics question the effectiveness of sanctions alone, but officials argue this sends a strong message that no one is beyond the reach of justice.
The sanctions regime is the first of its kind globally and includes targets from the Balkans, Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
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