Immigration Enforcement is increasing

Immigration crime continues to be a priority for UK law enforcement agencies. The National Crime Agency (“NCA”) has stated publicly that tackling organised immigration crime is one of its key operational objectives. This includes identifying individuals and networks offering illicit services to help people evade UK immigration controls, often at significant personal risk to those involved.

The Home Office’s wider strategy also focuses on reducing the incentives for illegal entry and strengthening border security. The resulting arrests serve as a reminder that the UK Government is investing significant resources in identifying and prosecuting individuals who are alleged to have breached immigration and criminal law.

Recent immigration investigations and arrests

The NCA has announced the arrest of two individuals as part of an investigation into suspected immigration offences.

The arrests took place following a targeted operation based on suspected criminal activity involving the facilitation of illegal entry into the UK. The individuals, both arrested in early July 2025, are believed to be involved in organising and profiting from the unlawful movement of persons across UK borders.

According to the NCA, this investigation forms part of a broader effort to tackle organised immigration crime and disrupt the networks responsible for smuggling individuals into the UK. While further details have not been publicly disclosed at this stage, the agency has confirmed that the operation remains ongoing.

The UK’s approach to tackling immigration crime

Combating immigration crime continues to be a high priority for the UK authorities. The NCA works closely with other government departments, including the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force, to target individuals and networks engaged in people smuggling and related offences.

These types of offences may fall under various statutory provisions, including the Immigration Act 1971 and the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

The potential penalties for individuals found guilty of facilitating illegal immigration are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences. Investigations of this nature are often complex and may involve cross-border evidence gathering, financial investigations and international cooperation.

Your obligations

Convictions for facilitating offences can lead to significant custodial sentences. Given the significant legal and reputational risks, it is essential that businesses take immigration compliance seriously. Employers should ensure that robust right-to-work procedures are in place, sponsor licence duties are properly managed and that appropriate staff training is conducted to prevent inadvertent breaches of the immigration rules.

Employers have a legal obligation to conduct appropriate right-to-work checks and to maintain accurate records demonstrating compliance with these obligations. Failure to do so can result in significant civil penalties, criminal sanctions and reputational damage.

The Home Office frequently conducts compliance audits and unannounced visits to assess whether businesses are adhering to their sponsorship and employment responsibilities.

How Gherson can assist

At Gherson, we have extensive experience advising individuals and businesses facing investigation for alleged immigration offences. Our team of solicitors provides discreet, strategic advice from the earliest stages of an inquiry. We also represent individuals in related matters, including asylum, immigration and human rights claims that may arise from complex cross-border investigations.

If you have any concerns regarding your immigration status or if you are facing an investigation relating to immigration offences, our dedicated team is available to assist.

Contact us

For further information or to speak with a member of our specialist immigration and white-collar crime team, please contact us directly.

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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice.nWhilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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