People-smuggling gangs murdering rival bosses in turf war over Channel crossings
PEOPLE-smuggling gangs are murdering rival bosses in a turf war over Channel crossings.
The bloodshed in northern France is partly why Home Secretary Priti Patel’s deal to send migrants to Rwanda is a positive move, sources say.
Yesterday, she hit back at Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s attack of the policy.
Cops in Calais say Iraqi gangsters have taken 60 per cent of trade in the region. Afghan groups are equally ruthless.
Border police chief investigator Laurence Marniquet said: “You have settling scores, murders.
“This network now has control over the departure spots in the north of France. They are becoming more professional.”
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They charge £2,500 per crossing on average and buy a lot of boats in Germany, she said, adding: “If we really want to stem the passages then we have to work on the supply of boats. In Germany, there is a hole in the racket.”
A British source said: “This is a strong example as to why the Rwanda plan is the right thing. The organisers of these crossings are ruthless organised criminals who don’t care about anything but getting money.”
Archbishop Welby sparked outrage after using his Easter Sunday sermon to say the policy “did not stand the judgment of God”.
And Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell condemned the plan as “depressing and distressing”.
But Ms Patel said: “Without action, costs will continue to rise, lives will continue to be lost.”
Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg accused Mr Welby of misunderstanding the policy and vowed ministers had to act to stop thousands “jumping the queue” ahead of those more in need.
Immigration minister Kevin Foster today says Sun readers “can be proud of our world-leading efforts to offer protection and sanctuary to the most vulnerable”.
More migrant boats arrived yesterday, taking this month’s total to at least 1,716.
On Saturday, the Navy and Border Force intercepted 255 migrants in the Channel, say Ministry of Defence figures.
Despite choppy conditions, seven dinghies made the 21-mile voyage and were rescued in British waters.
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The warship HMS Tyne commanded operations.
At least 6,266 migrants have already been detained so far this year in 193 small boats. In 2021 that figure was not reached until July 10.