An Iraqi national, suspected of involvement in a small boat smuggling crime group, has been arrested in an operation in Lancashire.
The 38-year-old was detained on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration to the UK early this morning.
The operation, led by a team from the National Crime Agency, targeted a property in the Stefano Road area of Preston.
NCA officers, who carried out a detailed search of the property, seized multiple phones and documents.
The National Crime Agency targeted a property in the Stefano Road area of Preston
NCA
The arrest relates to two small boat crossings made from France to the UK in November and December last year, which are the subject of an NCA investigation.
The man arrested is suspected of being a key facilitator for migrants wishing to travel from Turkey to the UK.
It's alleged the suspect advertised people smuggling services on social media.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Al Mullen said: “Today’s arrest marks a significant point in an international investigation into organised immigration crime.
Suspect in handcuffs
NCA
“Tackling this threat is a priority for the NCA, we have seen only in recent weeks how dangerous these crossings are.
“We are determined to do all we can, working with partners in the UK, Europe and beyond, to target, disrupt and dismantle the criminals organising them.”
The suspect arrested in Preston has been taken into custody for questioning.
The arrest came on the same weekend as more than 300 Channel migrants made the illegal journey.
It takes the number of small boat migrants who have crossed from France this year to more than 8,500.