Hornsey properties investigated in connection with 'people smuggling network'

Six men were arrested today on suspicion of smuggling people from the UK to France in HGVs

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has revealed that properties in Hornsey are being investigated in connection with a ‘people smuggling network’.

Six men were arrested today (20th March) on suspicion of conspiracy to facilitate illegal migration, alleged to be key figures in an organised crime group smuggling people from the UK to France in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

The arrests come as part of an NCA probe into a London-based ‘people smuggling network’.

The men, aged 29 to 51, were arrested at addresses in Hornsey, Harlesden, Camden, Islington, and Maida Hill.

The NCA say the suspected leader, a man from Algeria, is among them. They remain in custody.

During separate incidents in 2023, over 100 migrants were discovered in lorry trailers intercepted on their way to Dover.

Five men have since been convicted of transporting the migrants. Three have been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison, and two will appear at court on 16th April for sentencing.

The convictions include: Nikolai Kuznetsoz, sentenced to four years and four months imprisonment on 26th January, having pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal entry; Jamal Elkhadir, sentenced to six years and nine months imprisonment on 13th March, having pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration; and Houcine Argoub, sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment on 13th March, having pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration.

Tarik Slimani and Driss Hasska, who pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal entry, will both appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 16th April for sentencing.

Chris Hill, NCA branch commander, said: “Today’s action signifies a key moment in our ongoing investigation into a network suspected of smuggling people out of the UK in HGVs to evade border controls.

“People smugglers don’t care about the wellbeing of those they transport. They see human beings as commodities and put their lives at risk simply in order to make money.

“The risks to life associated with this criminality is why disrupting the groups responsible for smuggling human beings remains an operational priority for the NCA.”

Update (21st March)

The six men have now been charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

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