The National Crime Agency and French authorities have arrested and jailed a man for smuggling migrants across the Channel Channel into Britain using pleasure boats.

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British and French investigators were able to link the gang to two separate vessels, one of which was linked to a smuggling run that saw 11 migrants brought ashore in Rye, East Sussex, in February 2022..

NCA officers would later arrest a 36-year-old Iraqi national in Barnet, north London, for his connection with that incident. He was bailed pending further enquiries as the investigation continues.

Igor Romanovi, a Georgian national, was the controller of the second yacht Lady Ann, which was used to transport the migrants. He was arrested by French police with the boat at Boulogne marina in France on June 1, 2022.
He was prosecuted for people smuggling offences and sentenced to four years in prison on June 26, 2023.

The NCA investigation into the UK side of the crime group is ongoing.

The NCA worked closely with the authorities in France and Belgium, as well as Sussex Police, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, and the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring Romanovi to justice.

NCA regional manager for NCA International Tom Outhwaite said:

“Tackling people smuggling is a priority for the NCA and we are working closely with our partners in France, Belgium and beyond to target the organised criminals involved on both sides of the Channel.
“Together we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle these exploitative networks. Our investigation into the UK side of this crime group continues.”

The NCA investigation has been successful in disrupting a major people smuggling operation and bringing a smuggler to justice. The NCA is committed to working with its partners to tackle this crime and protect vulnerable people.