(AFP) – On Wednesday, the UK was criticized for imposing sanctions on over 20 individuals, groups, and suppliers in regions including the Balkans, the Middle East, and China, all linked to facilitating immigration.
This action was noted as the first implementation of a new initiative, occurring as the government is under pressure regarding the increasing number of immigrants arriving in small boats from northern France.
The sanctioned assets are now frozen, and a travel ban has been imposed on those targeted for allegedly “promoting irregular migration to the UK.” This list includes four organized groups and their leaders operating in the Balkans, as stated by the Foreign Office.
Additionally, a Chinese boat supplier and a money movement service in the Middle East were targeted, with seven individuals accused of aiding smugglers linked to Iraq.
Foreign Secretary David Lamy described this as a “significant step” in the government’s fight against organized immigration crime, stressing its importance for the UK.
“From Europe to Asia, we’re combating these smugglers targeting vulnerable individuals everywhere,” he added.
Lamy issued a warning to the gangs that exploit vulnerable lives for profit, stating, “We know who you are, and we will collaborate with partners globally to take action against you.”
Prime Minister Kiel Starmer entered office last year with a commitment to dismantle gangs that promote dangerous crossings, yet he has faced challenges in achieving substantial results.
So far in 2025, nearly 24,000 immigrants have crossed the channel, marking the highest number recorded at this point in a year.
The immigration situation has sparked criticism for its political implications in the UK, contributing to the rise of far-right movements and incidents of violence during anti-immigrant protests.
Protests have occurred sporadically outside hotels housing asylum seekers, with recent clashes resulting in injuries to eight police officers near Epping, east of London.
Previous riots, fueled by the stabbing of three young girls in North-West Southport, also saw attacks on asylum hotels, intensifying anti-immigrant sentiments.
In an effort to reduce new arrivals, the government is intensifying crackdowns on illegal labor, which European neighbors cite as a contributing factor to immigration in the UK.
On Tuesday, a new partnership with delivery services like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats was announced, aimed at addressing illegal work practices in hotels housing migrants.
Another strategy includes the use of artificial intelligence to verify the ages of asylum seekers claiming to be children, according to the Home Office.
Wednesday’s actions signify the UK’s initial application of the new “global irregular migrant sanctions regime.”
The government claims to be “leading the way” in empowering its Foreign Office to target foreign financiers and businesses, as well as individuals involved in exacerbating immigration issues in the UK.
In total, 20 individuals have been approved for sanctions, including four gangs—two based in the Balkans and two with North African ties—and the Chinese company Weihai Yamar Outdoor Product Co.
The Foreign Office remarked that these groups are explicitly promoting small boat journeys online.
Among those sanctioned is Breda Lala, reportedly an Albanian with control over organized criminal operations linked to immigration.
Additionally, former police translator Allen Basil, accused of heading a major smuggling network in Serbia, was also targeted.
London has also sanctioned “gangland boss” Mohammed Tetwani, known as the “king of Horgos” for his harsh management of an immigration camp in Serbia.
Tom Keatinge, an author and researcher at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), commented that the sanctions represent a new phase in the UK’s efforts to tackle business models that benefit smugglers and their victims.
However, he expressed caution, stating, “It may seem quite unremarkable, still relying on sanctions to freeze assets and dismantle these gangs.”
“History indicates that such promises can often lead to government inaction.”
