People Smuggling: International Cooperation

The Government is committed to tackling organised immigration crime and disrupting the criminal networks that facilitate illegal migration. The recently published Border Security Command Annual Report sets out how the Border Security Command is bringing together intelligence, law enforcement and international cooperation to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating across borders.

The Border Security Command provides a whole-system response, working with domestic and international partners to share intelligence and coordinate operational activity against criminal networks operating in the UK and overseas.

We have provided a significant boost to border security system funding, increasing the number of dedicated National Crime Agency (NCA) officers tackling organised immigration gangs from 376 at the start of 2025 to nearly 800.

We continue to strengthen capabilities across the border security system and work closely with international partners to identify, target and disrupt those involved in organised immigration crime. For example, through closer cooperation between our countries, Germany made it illegal to facilitate illegal migration to the UK, equipping law enforcement with the tools they need to go after the criminal networks. This has already led to enforcement action, including NCA and German partners seizing over thirty boats in May.