Man arrested in Glasgow amid 'people smuggling' investigation from Ireland to UK

A man has been arrested in Glasgow in connection with an investigation into alleged people smuggling from Ireland into the UK.

The 30-year-old Afghan national was detained on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration at an address in the Balornock area of Glasgow on Thursday, January 22.

After being questioned by National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators, he was later released on bail.

Following the arrest, NCA officers conducted searches of two properties, one in Glasgow and one in the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham.

Electronic devices and documents were seized from both addresses, which will now be examined.

The arrest follows the alleged facilitation of five Afghan nationals who were stopped at Belfast’s Grand Central Station on November 19, having arrived from Dublin.

They had previously travelled from France to the Republic of Ireland.

Abad Ulla Alimi, a 26-year-old Afghan male living in Dublin, was arrested at the station and charged with people smuggling offences. He is due to appear before Belfast Crown Court on February 16.

NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said: “Our investigation into the facilitation of a number of individuals through the common travel area continues following this arrest, and with the evidence we have recovered from these searches.

“Targeting, disrupting and dismantling the people smuggling networks who are targeting the UK remains a top priority for the NCA.”