Four Syrian nationals have been taken into custody in Germany as part of a coordinated international effort targeting a network involved in smuggling individuals across the English Channel using small boats. The arrests occurred in the North Rhine-Westphalia region following raids conducted on Wednesday morning. During these operations, authorities seized items including boats, engines, fuel cans, and life jackets.
This extensive operation stems from a collaborative investigation spearheaded by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Belgian Federal Police. Support for the inquiry came from counterparts in Germany, France, the Netherlands, as well as from Europol and Eurojust. The investigation was initiated after the NCA received intelligence concerning a shipment of tyre inner tubes destined for Italy in March 2025. These inner tubes are frequently provided by people smugglers to migrants for use on Channel boats, often as a substitute for life jackets.
Once the inner tubes arrived in Germany, they were conveyed to various storage facilities managed by the criminal organization. Europol detailed that these components were then integrated with inflatable boats, pumps, and engines to create what are referred to as “go kits.” Each of these kits, assembled and ready for use by a single small boat, was valued at over €10,000 (£8,647) on the black market. These kits were reportedly purchased within Germany and subsequently transported to the French coast for a fee, Europol also noted.
Between April and December 2025, Europol stated that the NCA and Belgian law enforcement successfully intercepted seven vehicles in Belgium that were en route to France, carrying these smuggling kits. Authorities in France made five additional linked interceptions, while Germany and the Netherlands each reported two such seizures. In total, 21 individuals were arrested, including the four Syrian nationals who are believed to be prominent figures within the organized crime group responsible for supplying the equipment.
On Wednesday, over 450 law enforcement personnel participated in raids across 12 locations in Germany. These sites included properties in western cities such as Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Marl, Bottrop, Herdecke, and Lüdenscheid. Two addresses in Belgium were also searched. Those arrested now face extradition to Belgium, where they will stand trial for charges including people smuggling and participation in an organized crime group. Investigators estimate that if these kits had reached the French coast, they could have facilitated the transportation of approximately 1,000 individuals to the UK, with each successful crossing potentially earning the gangs around €100,000.
NCA Deputy Director of Investigations Craig Turner commented on the operation’s success. “We believe this operation has successfully disrupted and dismantled a significant organised crime group supplying equipment to people smugglers operating in the Channel,” Turner stated. He highlighted the danger posed by the vessels used, noting that “These vessels are completely unsuitable for what they are being used for, with 70 or more people crammed on, propelled by a hugely under-powered engine.” Turner emphasized the criminals’ disregard for safety, adding, “The fact that they are being put into the open sea in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes demonstrates the complete disregard these criminal networks have for the safety of those they transport. This operation will have dealt a blow to their business model and supply lines.”
Europol reported that as of 14:30 GMT on Wednesday, recovered items from the searches included 11 boats, one engine, life vests, numerous boxes of inner tubes, weapons, gold bars, over 30 electronic devices, and nearly €60,000 in cash. Search operations were ongoing. The Belgian prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrests were executed in Germany at the request of Belgian authorities. Consequently, new legislation enacted in Germany in December, aimed at curbing people smuggling to the UK, did not apply in this specific case.
Since assuming the role of prime minister in July 2024, Sir Keir Starmer has consistently pledged to dismantle the criminal organizations profiting from illegal Channel crossings. Since 2020, over 100,000 individuals have entered the UK illegally by boat across the English Channel. Government statistics indicate that 41,262 people made the crossing in small boats last year, primarily from France, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. This figure, however, remains below the peak of 45,774 recorded in 2022. Between January 1 and March 9, 2026, 3,409 people had crossed the Channel.
Home Office minister Alex Norris commended the international collaboration, stating it was crucial for “shutting down the criminal supply chains behind illegal small boat crossings.” Norris elaborated, “By targeting vile smugglers before boats even reach the water, we are hitting these gangs where it hurts most – their business model. Through closer co-operation across Europe, we are delivering record high arrests, seizures and convictions.” Germany serves as a key logistical hub for the storage of boats and engines that are eventually utilized for English Channel crossings.