Birmingham arrest over social media people-smuggling ads

A man has been arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of advertising people smuggling services online, following a joint operation by the National Crime Agency and West Midlands Police.

The 29-year-old Indian national was detained on Monday 22 December at a property on Holyhead Road in Handsworth, where officers seized electronic devices believed to have been used to promote illicit crossings on social media platforms. He is suspected of working with an organised crime group that moves people into the UK in the backs of lorries on routes from mainland Europe.

Investigators believe the posts acted as marketing for illegal transport, offering covert entry into the UK in exchange for payment. The man is being questioned on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and remains in custody. A second individual was arrested at the scene for suspected immigration offences and transferred to Home Office officials. The property is now being examined as part of the wider investigation.

Authorities say the case fits a pattern of criminal groups using mainstream digital platforms to recruit customers and coordinate journeys, often exposing migrants to life-threatening conditions. People smuggling networks have been linked to dangerous lorry crossings, maritime routes and exploitation by criminal gangs once inside the UK.

NCA Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead said “Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA, and we are determined to do all we can to target, disrupt and dismantle the networks involved. Our investigation, which is being conducted alongside partners from West Midlands Police, continues following this arrest.”