In a significant blow to people smuggling networks, a coordinated raid in Germany has resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of small boat kits that could have been used to transport over 2,000 illegal migrants across the English Channel. The operation, involving the National Crime Agency (NCA) and German law enforcement, targeted multiple locations in the North Rhine-Westphalia region.
Details of the Seizure
Authorities confiscated more than 30 boats, over 20 engines, 360 pumps, and more than 9,000 life jackets. Much of the equipment was packaged into 'go kits'—complete sets of boat, engine, pump, and fuel—ready for immediate transport to the northern French coast. Had these kits reached their destination, they could have facilitated the illegal entry of thousands of individuals into the UK.
International Collaboration
The NCA's Director of International Operations, Will Middleton, emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation. 'The NCA continues to work with partners in Germany, France, and across Europe to tackle the supply lines used by people smuggling gangs. This operation will have dealt a significant blow to the network involved, preventing boats and engines from reaching the French coast.' He expressed gratitude for the support of French and German law enforcement agencies.
Government Response
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, highlighted the impact on smuggling gangs. 'By seizing dozens of small boats and engines destined for illegal Channel crossings, we are striking the smuggling gangs where it hurts—their pockets. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between the NCA and our international partners, thousands of potential small boat crossings have been prevented.' He noted that disruptions to criminal smuggling activity, including arrests, convictions, and seizures, have increased by nearly 50%.
Previous Operations
The raid on May 21 follows similar actions in Germany in March, where four Syrian nationals were arrested in an operation involving the NCA and partners from Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Europol, and Eurojust. Boat equipment was also seized in that operation.
In January, a separate case saw a man sentenced to 11 years in prison for supplying thousands of boats and engines to people smugglers operating in the English Channel. This joint operation involved the NCA and Belgian authorities. Investigators believe that Adem Savas's network supplied equipment used in approximately half of all Channel crossings during 2023. Three co-defendants received sentences totaling 38 years.
