A man has been charged as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into alleged people smuggling from Ireland into the UK.

Abad Ulla Alimi, a 25-year-old Afghan male living in Dublin, was arrested at Grand Central station in Belfast on 19 November after arriving by train from Dublin with four other Afghan nationals.

He was identified by Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers at the station as being a suspected facilitator.

NCA officers started an investigation after his arrest.

The man was travelling with a couple and their two young children who were all believed to be trying to enter the UK illegally via the Common Travel Area.

They had travelled from France to the Republic of Ireland before taking a train from Dublin to Belfast where it is believed they were intending to travel onwards to England.

The man was taken into custody where he was questioned by NCA officers. He was charged with assisting unlawful immigration yesterday evening (20 November) and will appear at Laganside Magistrates Court today (21 November).

The people he was travelling with were handed to the immigration authorities.

NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said:

"Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the NCA and this investigation is one of around 100 ongoing investigations into networks or individuals in the top tier of this criminality.

"We are working closely with our partners to stop the Common Travel Area from being exploited by people who may believe this is an easier way to enter the UK and will take action wherever possible.

"Our investigation is ongoing."

21 November 2021