‘World-first’ sanctions to target people-smuggling gangs

WorldPolitics
22 Jul 2025 • 2:29 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The UK government has announced new plans to curb people-smuggling and illegal immigration, particularly targeting those involved in Channel crossings.
  • The Foreign Secretary unveiled a new sanctions regime on Tuesday, set to come into force on Wednesday.
  • These sanctions will enable the freezing of assets and travel bans for individuals and entities facilitating illegal immigration, including gang leaders, corrupt police officers, and suppliers of small boat equipment.
  • The initial wave of sanctions is expected to include over 20 designations, publicly naming those involved and prohibiting UK businesses from dealing with them.
  • Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated this is the world's first sanctions regime specifically targeting people-smuggling gangs, aiming to disrupt their global financial operations.

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