Britain Strikes at People Smugglers with New Sanctions

Britain has announced sanctions against 24 individuals and one company involved in people smuggling, intensifying efforts to reduce migrant crossings by sea. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who vowed to dismantle smuggling operations, the government seeks to clamp down on those facilitating irregular migration using small boats.

The latest measures, first unveiled in January, target individuals and organizations that finance the smuggling trade, forge documents, and employ alternative financial systems like Hawala. Foreign Minister David Lammy stated the sanctions aim to hit individuals and groups operating globally, freezing assets to halt these illegal activities.

Among those sanctioned are seven Iraqis linked to smuggling and eight Balkan individuals tied to passport forgery. A Chinese company advertising smuggling services was also targeted, alongside individuals in Belgium and Serbia deemed to be central figures in the trade. Furthermore, the UK is partnering with delivery services like Deliveroo to identify misuse related to gig economy accounts.

(With inputs from agencies.)