THE HAGUE, 14 Nov. - (ANA) - During an international action, a major supplier of small boats to human smugglers was arrested in the Netherlands. Dutch, Belgian and UK authorities worked together with Eurojust and Europol to arrest the individual who is suspected of supplying engines and boats to smugglers.

 

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after arriving at the airport of Amsterdam. He will be extradited by Dutch authorities to Belgium to face charges of smuggling of human beings in the context of the activities of a criminal organisation. He is suspected of running an operation that supplied small boats and engines to human smugglers who were active in Belgium and northern France. The 44-year-old Turkish national was shipping his supplies from Türkiye and storing them in Europe before transporting them to northern France for the smugglers.

 

Criminal networks often use the Netherlands as a hub for preparing the smuggling of humans. From there, the boats and equipment are transferred to France or Belgium, where smugglers put people on boats to cross the English Channel to the UK. The boats used are highly dangerous and unfit for open water, ultimately resulting in casualties. More than 50 people have died attempting to make the crossing so far in 2024.

 

The arrest is the result of a joint investigation team (JIT) set up at Eurojust between Belgian and UK authorities. By setting up a JIT, authorities were able to work closely together, exchange evidence and carry out joint actions. The JIT was set up following investigations conducted under the framework of a Europol Operation Task Force set up to combat migrant smuggling with small boats across the English Channel. Dutch authorities assisted with the arrest after it became he was travelling from Türkiye to the Netherlands and continue to support the work of the JIT where needed.

 

Following his arrest, the suspect will now be extradited to Belgium where he will face charges of smuggling of human beings in the context of the activities of a criminal organisation.

 

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

 

• Belgium: Investigative judge of West Flanders; PPO West Flanders; Federal judicial police West Flanders

 

• Netherlands: Public Prosecution Service (national office); Royal Netherlands Marechaussee

 

• United Kingdom: National Crime Agency; Crown Prosecution Service.    - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/14 November 2024 - - -