A large-scale Europol operation has succeeded in dismantling an Iraqi-Kurdish gang that smuggles people across the English Channel.
The gang was one of "the most active networks" working on the infamous migratory route, according to Europol and Eurojust, who jointly coordinated Operation Task Force Wave.
Following an investigation that lasted one and a half years involving 600 police across Belgium, France and Germany, more than 15 individuals have been arrested in Germany, including the ring leader and five prominent gang members. They are now detained under French and Belgian judicial forces.
The Belgian branch of the operation was led by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in West Flanders. In a press release, the Office explained that pre-existing "close international contacts" were mobilised to dismantle the gang. The operation aimed to send out "a clear signal that the existence of national borders is not an obstacle to a coordinated international fight against trafficking in human beings."
Supply system revealed
Crucially, 'OTF Wave' has exposed the details of how the gang orchestrated the smuggling of almost 30,000 people from Calais to the UK in the last year. Dinghies imported from China were transported through Germany and Belgium to reach the French coast.
Raids in 26 separate locations in Germany uncovered 24 boats, 175 life vests, 81 flotation devices for children, 13 outboard motors, 14 engines and almost 60 electronic devices. There were also firearms at the sites.
Credit: Europol
"When used legally, such boats would not be suitable nor safe for the transportation of more than 10 individuals," said Europol. "However, on average, smugglers put around 50 migrants in one of these boats."
The investigation linked at least 55 departures to this specific smuggling network. Between €1,000 and €3,000 per person was collected for every journey across the Channel.
More than 100,000 people have travelled to the UK from France via this route since 2020, and fatalities are a tragically common occurrence. There were 23 deaths in 2023.
