Ringleaders of human trafficking gangs behind 'small boats' Channel crossings to be targeted by new sanctions
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Ringleaders behind the “small boats” Channel crossings are to be targeted with a new sanctions regime. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the crackdown as the Government seeks to “smash the gangs” behind this human trafficking. Gang bosses, middlemen and professional enablers, such as lawyers and accountants, involved in facilitating illegal immigration will risk having their assets in the UK frozen and the imposition of travel bans to Britain.
“The UK is set to be the first country in the world to develop legislation for a new sanctions regime specifically targeting irregular migration and organized immigration crime,” Mr Lammy said ahead of a major speech on Thursday outlining his vision for Britain’s foreign policy.
“This will help to prevent, combat, deter and disrupt irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants into the UK.”. The Government hopes that the sanctions regime, which will also apply to companies, will discourage people from getting involved in the human trafficking trade.
But it was not clear how effective it will be given that many of the crime gangs are based overseas. Britain, though, will work with other countries on intelligence sharing about the gangs and its lead on sanctions may encourage other countries to take similar steps.
Ministers also aim to choke off the supply of illicit finance funding the crime gangs. Legislation will be pushed through Parliament this year to bring in the new sanctions. The details of the new regime are still being worked up but breaking sanctions can lead to prison for a significant number of years.
