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Investigators are targeting the criminals\u2019 convoluted finances, their operations \u2013 by seizing boats and engines \u2013 while trying to warn those tempted to pay to cross the Channel that they will be deported.<\/p>\n
The Home Office has seen evidence of migrants abandoning attempts to reach the UK as it is \u201ctoo difficult\u201d.<\/p>\n
Officials have described their tactics as trying to make the smugglers\u2019 lives \u201cmore difficult\u201d by blocking their ability to offer migrants a crossing.<\/p>\n
This, they hope, will deter more people from trying to make it over the Channel, because they will lose confidence in the criminals\u2019 operations, and will seek refuge elsewhere.<\/p>\n
A key element of the law enforcement crackdown will be a renewed focus on the smugglers and fresh attempts to seize their vast profits.<\/p>\n
And they want to lock up more of the boats and engines used by traffickers to smuggle migrants into Britain to further hit cash flows.<\/p>\n
Experts believe this could be done at different points along the smuggling routes, including the transit hub of Turkey.<\/p>\n
Ministers are also considering ramping up social media campaigns in migrants\u2019 home countries to deter them following the success of a similar move in Albania.<\/p>\n
A source close to Home Secretary James Cleverly said: \u201cAt every stage \u2013 whether frustrating and harassing the criminal gangs responsible for this vile trade to persuading people who would risk their lives and savings to make this incredibly dangerous crossing, and to removing the sub-standard equipment to make crossings \u2013 we have already been having an effect.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is why crossings are down by a third. We will not stop there but will increase our efforts with all sorts of countries also facing this global problem and on all fronts to make this route unprofitable and impractical.\u201d<\/p>\n
Migrants and smugglers use an ancient payment system known as \u201chawala\u201d. This sees a third party pay a handler in the migrants\u2019 home country. This money is held until the migrant arrives at their destination.<\/p>\n
The smuggler can collect his money from another handler in the country where he is operating. No physical money is ever exchanged.<\/p>\n
Detectives are finding it \u201cdifficult to investigate and track transactions\u201d because there is no \u201cactual movement of funds\u201d. Hayley Pisano, a National Crime Agency senior manager, said: \u201cOur officers work closely with UK and international partners to develop intelligence, identify trends and disrupt crime groups who use the hawala system to launder profits.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis methodology facilitates transactions linked to organised immigration crime and features in a number of active NCA investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n