The UK government has announced a new sanctions regime targeting corrupt foreign officials involved in people smuggling, including those who facilitate small boat crossings. Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that from Wednesday, individuals such as border guards and police officers who accept bribes from smuggling gangs will face asset freezes and travel bans.
The measures also target producers of fake passports and middlemen who use the hawala money transfer system to move cash. The move is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's pledge to 'smash the gangs' involved in illegal migration.
Lammy stated: 'Those involved will face having their assets frozen, being shut off from the UK financial system and banned from travelling to the UK.' The government is also introducing legislation under the border security, asylum and immigration bill to enhance enforcement powers for police and partners.
The announcement comes amid growing pressure over irregular migration. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed in the Commons that women and girls face a 'public safety crisis' due to crimes by 'illegal immigrants', citing a recent protest outside an Essex hotel housing asylum seekers. Six people were arrested after a demonstration at the Bell Hotel in Epping, following charges against asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu for alleged sexual assault.
Crime and Policing Minister Diana Johnson stressed the importance of allowing criminal justice procedures to run their course, adding that the government takes sexual assault allegations 'incredibly seriously' and is changing the law to prevent convicted sex offenders from being granted asylum.
