G7 members agree plan to dismantle smuggling gangs

G7 nations have agreed a new plan aimed at dismantling migrant smuggling gangs.

It is hoped the G7 Anti-Smuggling Action Plan will deliver a boost to UK law enforcement by fostering closer cooperation with G7 partners to bolster border security, combat transnational organised crime, and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by migrant smugglers.

As part of the plan, new joint investigative actions will be carried out by law enforcement teams to target criminal smuggling routes, while at the same time, intelligence sharing between G7 nations will ensure faster identification and disruption of these dangerous networks.

The plan also includes measures to share best practice, including disrupting supply chains that facilitate people-smuggling, such as small boat parts, seizing the illegal financial assets of criminals, and improving cooperation across global transport routes.

Signatories will work with social media platforms and internet providers to remove harmful content that promotes illegal migration services or advertises fake job opportunities.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Criminal smuggling gangs who organise small boat crossings undermine our border security and put lives at risk. Our new government is rapidly accelerating cooperation with other countries to crack down on these dangerous gangs.

"Today’s newly agreed G7 action plan provides an important focus on international law enforcement and reflects our determination to work with global partners on these shared challenges. New international joint investigative teams will help coordinate cross-border action and supplement the measures we have already taken to set up the UK Border Security Command and back it with new funding.

"The plan will help to increase both voluntary and enforced returns of migrants to countries of origin. It aims to offer migrants more choices and improve the overall management of migration flows."