Smuggling operation sent thousands of people across Channel illegally in small boats

Police in five European countries uncover criminal network believed to have smuggled 10,000 people in last 18 months

A smuggling operation that police believe illegally sent 10,000 people across the Channel over the last 18 months has been uncovered after a coordinated operation across five European countries.

In what is believed to be the biggest investigation ever launched to stop small boat crossings, hundreds of officers from the UK, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany staged dawn raids, resulting in dozens of arrests.