The National Crime Agency headed up the raids at a number of addresses
The raid on a car wash in Nottingham(Image: NCA)
Two men have been arrested following a series of raids – including in Derby – as part of investigations into people smuggling.
The raids, undertaken by the National Crime Agency (NCA), looked into a criminal network suspected of smuggling people into the UK in boats.
The NCA raided one address in Derby as part of the investigation, while others took place at two car washes and a barber shop in Nottingham and in Folkestone.
Two men, aged 27 and 29, were detained by NCA officers on suspicion of money laundering in Folkestone and Nottingham.
The operations were supported by police officers from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire police, as well as immigration enforcement, co-ordinated through the East Midlands Special Operations Disruption Team.
The criminal network under investigation by the NCA is suspected of bringing migrants into the UK illegally and then employing them in businesses around the East Midlands.
Those detained today (Wednesday, April 22) remain in custody and are now being questioned by NCA investigators.
A car wash in Nuthall, Nottingham, was issued with a civil penalty notice by Immigration Enforcement for employing an illegal worker.
Craig Turner, NCA deputy director of investigations, said: “Tackling the organised criminals behind people smuggling remains a key priority for the NCA, and this is one of around 100 investigations that we currently have running into individuals or networks suspected of involvement.
“These gangs exploit people for profit – whether it is through risking their safety by transporting them across the Channel in small boats, or by putting them to work in the grey economy once they’re here – and we’re determined to do all we can to stop them.
“I’m extremely grateful to our law enforcement partners for their support in today’s operation, our investigation will continue.”