Suspected people smuggler arrested after BBC investigation

A man suspected of being part of an organised crime group that smuggled people to the UK in small boats has been arrested.

Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) said they earlier detained the 22-year-old Iranian at an address in Acocks Green in Birmingham on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

The arrest followed a BBC investigation into the activities of a people smuggling group operating in northern France and the West Midlands.

The man is now in custody and due to be questioned, NCA officers said.

"People smugglers operate for profit without concern for the safety of those they transport," said the forces regional head of investigations, Jacque Beer.

"Our investigation continues with the evidence we have gathered today."

Minister for Border Security and Asylum Dame Angela Eagle said the government "will not stand by and let this vile trade continue, which is why we have announced the investment of a further £100 million this week to tackle the criminal networks head on".

The NCA said it currently had 91 ongoing investigations into networks or individuals in the top tier of organised immigration crime or human trafficking.

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