People smugglers to have finances targeted with new sanctions

The UK Home Office has stated that new sanctions targeting the finances of people-smuggling networks will make it harder for criminal gangs to profit from this deadly trade. The government says that proposed measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration into the UK are expected to come into effect this year.

These sanctions, designed to disrupt the flow of funds, are believed to be the first in the world specifically targeting people smugglers. Labour leader Keir Starmer said that this move would hinder “the illegal financial gangs that allow smugglers to traffic vulnerable people across Europe." The Prime Minister also stated, “We must dismantle the criminal gangs that are assisting in the undermining of our borders.”

Under the proposed measures, which are yet to be finalized, individuals and financial institutions within the UK will be legally prohibited from transacting with sanctioned groups. The government will introduce new legislation, a plan developed by government sanctions experts in conjunction with law enforcement and Home Office staff. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will elaborate on more details in a speech on Thursday, stating that these measures will “help prevent, combat, deter and disrupt illegal migration and the smuggling of migrants into the UK.”

In 2024, the number of people detected crossing the English Channel in small boats increased by a quarter, from 29,437 in 2023 to 36,816. However, this figure is lower than the record 45,755 recorded in 2022. Under enhanced powers to combat people smuggling announced in November, the UK Border Force Command was authorized to freeze the bank accounts of smuggling networks. Meanwhile, ministers announced earlier this month new laws allowing for travel bans, social media blocks, and phone restrictions to be imposed on suspected people smugglers.

Shadow Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that the Labour Party has “no credibility” when it comes to dealing with the evil trade of people smuggling. She said, “In Parliament, they voted against tougher penalties and life sentences for people smugglers, scrapped the Rwanda deterrent plan, and championed the rights of dangerous criminals and foreign national offenders over the safety of the British people.”