German police raided warehouses linked to a smuggling gang (Image: NCA)
Four Channel migrant boat suppliers offering ‘go kits’ to smugglers were snared in a major operation this morning.
The Syrian nationals were arrested in Germany after selling boats, pumps, engines and inner tubes – used as lifejackets – to crime gangs.
Investigators said the gang earned up to £86,000 per vessel.
The equipment was made in Asia and imported into Germany from Turkey.
The Syrian criminals were arrested after raids on warehouses linked to the gang in the North Rhine-Westphalia of Germany.
Investigators tracked them down after receiving intelligence about a suspect consignment of tyre inner tubes being shipped into Italy in March 2025.
The inner tubes, often given to migrants as makeshift lifejackets, were then transported to several storage locations controlled by the gang in Germany.
Once there, they would be linked up with inflatable boats, pumps and engines to form “go kits”, each worth over 10,000 euros on the black market, and suitable for one small boat launch. They would be purchased in Germany and shipped to the French coast for a fee.
The National Crime Agency and Belgian colleagues stopped seven vehicles carrying these kits towards France.
NCA Deputy Director of Investigations, Craig Turner, said: “We believe this operation has successfully disrupted and dismantled a significant organised crime group supplying equipment to people smugglers operating in the Channel.
“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.
“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.
“I’m grateful for the co-operation and support of all our European partners who have contributed to this success.”
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris said: “This operation shows the instrumental impact of working upstream with our international partners to shut down the criminal supply chains behind illegal small boat crossings.
“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. We will stop at nothing to restore and order and control to our borders.”
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