The UK government has, for the first time, invoked its new Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime to impose asset freezes and travel bans on more than two dozen individuals, networks, and suppliers involved in facilitating migrant crossings across the English Channel. Those targeted include four transnational gangs active in the Balkans, a small-boat manufacturer in China, hawala money brokers in the Middle East, and seven smugglers connected to operations in Iraq.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the move as a “landmark moment” in targeting the global financial and logistical networks that enable irregular migration. “From Europe to Asia, we are taking the fight to the people-smugglers,” he said, asserting that the UK will collaborate with international partners to hold these criminal actors accountable.
The sanctions name specific individuals, including Albanian gang leader Bledar Lala—linked to smuggling operations in Belgium—and Alen Basil, a former police translator now believed to be orchestrating a ruthless smuggling network in Serbia. Another figure hit by restrictions is Mohammed Tetwani, known as the “King of Horgos,” who allegedly operated a migrant camp in Serbia with brutal methods.
With more than 23,800 migrant arrivals via small boats recorded so far in 2025, the government faces mounting pressure to curb the flow. The Channel crossings surge has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment and violent protests across the UK. The ruling Labour Party—under Prime Minister Keir Starmer—has emphasized “smashing the gangs” since taking office last year, though critics argue that enforcement has lagged behind rhetoric.
In a simultaneous effort, the government is partnering with delivery firms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to monitor asylum-seeker accommodations for illegal working patterns. A trial of AI technology is also underway to assess the ages of migrants claiming to be minors.
Although experts like Tom Keatinge from the Royal United Services Institute caution that asset freezes alone may not dismantle organized criminal networks, the UK argues this fresh enforcement tool demonstrates a new and forceful commitment to combating the business of human smuggling.
