Migrant smugglers tighten security as PM sends spies to borders | UK | News

People smuggling gangs have introduced extra security measures for migrants crossing the Channel in response to new plans for a covert operation.

The new UK border commander, former Scotland Yard chief Martin Hewitt, has been appointed by Sir Keir Starmer with a mission to destroy gangs smuggling migrants into Britain, and he is understood to be planning to use undercover officers.

But smugglers have stepped up security checks on migrants amid threats that their agents will be deployed to camps around Calais.

Criminal leaders fear imminent arrest in the crackdown and are therefore trying to stay “one step ahead” with a “three-factor authentication system.”

A source from the prosecution service said: “Security is being stepped up. There will be additional checks on identity papers, passports and money transfers. Those who bring migrants to the crossing points will have to vouch for their identity.”

“Security measures will be tightened. No one wants to be held responsible for making mistakes and reporting the gang to the authorities, their life would not be worth living. A prison sentence would be the least of their worries.

“We are dealing with the world’s most ruthless criminals, who have no qualms about sending more than 50 people on wrecked boats on the world’s busiest shipping lane. They take this as serious business and any threat must be countered.”

Sir Keir insisted his plan to tackle gangs at source would go ahead, despite criticism of the Tory Rwanda project being scrapped.

He pledged that Mr Hewitt would “lead a new era of international law enforcement to dismantle these networks, protect our coasts and bring order to the asylum system”.

The source added: “The three layers are a new rule.

“Additional passport checks, a guarantor and a proper discussion beforehand.

“The smugglers are perfectly aware of the repression carried out by the police.”

Alp Mehmet, chair of Migration Watch UK, said: “This shows that the government’s plan is a failure. This is organised crime on a massive scale, spanning continents.”

“It is not with slogans that we will solve the problem. The gangs are one step ahead.

“They are too well established. It’s like drug trafficking: once you get rid of one, there are plenty more waiting.”

More than 10,000 migrants have crossed the border since Labour won the election.