Alleged people smuggling gang member ‘made millions while on Universal Credit'
Based between West Yorkshire and Greater London, the alleged scheme is said to have developed into a wide-scale, dangerous criminal network earning millions.
The main suspect is believed to have a turnover of more than £1.3 million in his bank account, despite claiming to only earn £35,000 a year working for a furniture manufacturing company.
Another suspect is thought to have made an alleged turnover of more than £1 million across two bank accounts, whilst simultaneously receiving Universal Credit.
Immigration enforcement officers carried out raids in Greater London and Batley, West Yorkshire and arrested seven suspects between the ages of 30 and 50 years old on Tuesday.
Of the seven arrested, four men and two women have been charged in connection with the investigation and have been remanded in custody.
Footage released by the Home Office showed one of the suspects being led away from a property by police.
The gang is said to have targeted Gambian nationals, including booking their flights, providing housing for the migrants on arrival, and setting them up with illegal work.
Operating across the country, they allegedly charged around £5,000 per person for the full service.
The five men and three women are believed to have sent fake documents to beneficiaries to evade detection from police.
At the various addresses visited, officers seized several counterfeit identity documents, which are thought to have been used in this alleged criminal scheme.
Members of the gang are also suspected of reusing fraudulent documents for different imposters hoping to make it to the UK illegally.
An ongoing investigation revealed a substantial quantity of images of passports found on the main suspect's mobile phone.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Dame Angela Eagle said: 'This operation is a clear display that we will not stand by and let evil criminal gangs abuse our immigration system.
'This suspected gang promised their beneficiaries a better life here in the UK. Instead, they face heinous levels of exploitation, which is exactly why we are working with law enforcement to ensure survivors of modern slavery are supported and the criminal gangs face justice.'
Ben Ryan, chief operating officer at Medaille Trust – a charity that supports the victims of modern slavery and worked on the investigation – said: 'Medaille Trust is delighted to have collaborated on this operation and to have played a part in ensuring that victims were identified and supported to begin their recovery as survivors.
'We believe that collaborative efforts like this between the Home Office and civil society provide a model for confronting the evils of modern slavery; with a focus on both pursuing abusers and recognising and supporting survivors.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
27 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Ban on Palestine Action clears Parliament but faces legal challenge
The House of Lords backed proscribing the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 without a vote. A short time before, a so-called regret motion proposed by a Green Party peer criticising the measure was rejected by 144 votes to 16, majority 128. The ministerial order, which has already been approved by MPs, will make it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it. However, it is unclear when the ban, which needs final sign-off by the Home Secretary, will come into force as the group is mounting a court challenge to try to temporarily block the move with a hearing scheduled on Friday, pending further proceedings. The Government crackdown comes after two planes were vandalised at RAF Brize Norton on June 20 causing £7 million worth of damage, in an action claimed by Palestine Action. Four people have been charged by counter-terrorism police in connection with the incident and were remanded in custody following a court appearance. Home Office minister Lord Hanson of Flint said: 'I will always defend the right of British people to engage in legitimate and peaceful protest and to stand up for the causes in which they believe. 'But essential as these rights are, they do not provide a blank cheque for this particular group to seriously damage property or subject members of the public to fear and violence.' He added: 'We would not tolerate this activity from organisations if they were motivated by Islamist or extreme right-wing ideology, and therefore I cannot tolerate it from Palestine Action. 'By implementing this measure, we will remove Palestine Action's veil of legitimacy, tackle its financial support, degrade its efforts to recruit and radicalise people into committing terrorist activity in its name.' But ministers have faced criticism over the decision to outlaw Palestine Action, with opponents branding the move as 'draconian overreach' and comparing the group to the Suffragettes. The United Nations has also warned against the ban, with experts concerned at the 'unjustified labelling of a political protest movement as 'terrorist''. In the Lords, Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb opposed the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Her regret motion argued the ban undermined civil liberties, constituted a misuse of anti-terror legislation, suppressed dissent against the UK's policy on Israel, and criminalised support for a protest group, causing 'a chilling effect on freedom of expression'. The legislation approved by the Lords also bans two white supremacist groups, Maniacs Murder Cult and Russian Imperial Movement, including its paramilitary arm Russian Imperial Legion. The Home Office describes the Maniacs Murder Cult as a neo-Nazi transnational and online organisation which has claimed a number of violent attacks around the world. The Russian Imperial Movement is an ethno-nationalist group which aims to create a new Russian imperial state. Its paramilitary unit fought alongside Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine to advance its ideological cause. It also runs a paramilitary training programme to support attendees to carry out terror attacks, the Home Office added.
Rhyl Journal
27 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Ban on Palestine Action clears Parliament but faces legal challenge
The House of Lords backed proscribing the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 without a vote. A short time before, a so-called regret motion proposed by a Green Party peer criticising the measure was rejected by 144 votes to 16, majority 128. The ministerial order, which has already been approved by MPs, will make it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it. However, it is unclear when the ban, which needs final sign-off by the Home Secretary, will come into force as the group is mounting a court challenge to try to temporarily block the move with a hearing scheduled on Friday, pending further proceedings. The Government crackdown comes after two planes were vandalised at RAF Brize Norton on June 20 causing £7 million worth of damage, in an action claimed by Palestine Action. Four people have been charged by counter-terrorism police in connection with the incident and were remanded in custody following a court appearance. Home Office minister Lord Hanson of Flint said: 'I will always defend the right of British people to engage in legitimate and peaceful protest and to stand up for the causes in which they believe. 'But essential as these rights are, they do not provide a blank cheque for this particular group to seriously damage property or subject members of the public to fear and violence.' He added: 'We would not tolerate this activity from organisations if they were motivated by Islamist or extreme right-wing ideology, and therefore I cannot tolerate it from Palestine Action. 'By implementing this measure, we will remove Palestine Action's veil of legitimacy, tackle its financial support, degrade its efforts to recruit and radicalise people into committing terrorist activity in its name.' But ministers have faced criticism over the decision to outlaw Palestine Action, with opponents branding the move as 'draconian overreach' and comparing the group to the Suffragettes. The United Nations has also warned against the ban, with experts concerned at the 'unjustified labelling of a political protest movement as 'terrorist''. In the Lords, Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb opposed the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Her regret motion argued the ban undermined civil liberties, constituted a misuse of anti-terror legislation, suppressed dissent against the UK's policy on Israel, and criminalised support for a protest group, causing 'a chilling effect on freedom of expression'. The legislation approved by the Lords also bans two white supremacist groups, Maniacs Murder Cult and Russian Imperial Movement, including its paramilitary arm Russian Imperial Legion. The Home Office describes the Maniacs Murder Cult as a neo-Nazi transnational and online organisation which has claimed a number of violent attacks around the world. The Russian Imperial Movement is an ethno-nationalist group which aims to create a new Russian imperial state. Its paramilitary unit fought alongside Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine to advance its ideological cause. It also runs a paramilitary training programme to support attendees to carry out terror attacks, the Home Office added.
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone
DWP is urging people to watch out for fake text messages designed to steal personal and financial date. What are phishing scams and how can you recognise them? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has put out a new warning on its social media channels advising millions of people receiving benefits to be on the lookout for text messages from criminals trying to steal their 'personal or financial details'. There are currently 23.7 million people across Great Britain in receipt of at least one benefit from the DWP such as the State Pension (a contributory benefit), Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance or Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). In posts shared on X and Facebook, DWP said: 'Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from @dwpgovuk. Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details, only engage with trusted official sources.' DWP then urged anyone who receives a suspicious text message to report it on - just search 'avoid and report internet scams and phishing'. Online criminals may be trying to capitalise on the ongoing cost of living crisis by pretending to be official government bodies such as the DWP or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). These are known as 'impersonation scams'. In the past we've seen scam text messages about 'unclaimed cost of living payments' and the Warm Home Discount. DWP is also warning people to be on the lookout for suspicious messages and emails inviting them to apply for Winter Fuel Payments. These payments will be issued automatically in November or December, nobody needs to apply for it. These texts often include 'direct links' to make a claim - something DWP never does. Universal Credit claimants will usually be contacted by their Work Coach through their online journal. If you receive a text and you're not sure if it is genuinely from a DWP department- the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland or HM Revenue and Customs - the safest way to check is to call them and ask. Simple steps to avoid scammers Below are some quick checks everyone can do regularly to spot and avoid potential scams. Never share your financial or personal information Don't share your personal or financial information with anyone. This includes never writing your banking details down. If you are able to memorise your information, this can be the safest option, but if you do need to write down your details, make sure this is kept in a safe place and not taken with you when shopping. Trustworthy retailers will never ask you for your PIN, CVC number or other identifying online banking information. Check your bank statement regularly If you notice an unfamiliar transaction, it is important to alert your bank immediately to get the card blocked. Most banks have a dedicated fraud action line, where you can report the theft and request a refund. Keep an eye on your cards If you lose any of your bank cards or suspect they have been stolen, you should contact your bank immediately so they can freeze it. Many banks now let you do this from the app rather than calling up, which can help to speed the process along. It may be useful to have your bank's details and phone number available, so you can contact them if needed. Be wary of suspicious emails or texts Do not reply to text messages or emails if you can't be sure they're genuine. A good hard and fast rule is to never give out private, personal information. This includes information such as your bank details or passwords, no company should ever be asking for these. Emails or texts with grammar errors can be a sign of a phishing scam from a non-legitimate source, so it is best to avoid opening these. Avoid clicking on suspicious links Don't click on any links if you're not sure they are coming from a legitimate source. Don't download anything sent to you via email or text. It is a good idea to have antivirus software installed, this will scan for malware and protect you from phishing attacks.
