
The British authorities have 'destroyed' a gang of Albanians, who sent people from Spain to the United Kingdom. It is believed that migrants have paid between 3,000-15,000 euros to cross from one country to another. British authorities have arrested seven people throughout the week.
Officials from the National Crime Agency, based in Spain and the United Kingdom, have been working with Spanish authorities on the case.
The gang has mainly smuggled Albanian migrants through the Spanish cities of Bilbao and Santander to the United Kingdom, using boats and other means on the way to the cities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Liverpool.
British and Spanish authorities have identified 50 people who have crossed into the UK with the gang's help, but the National Crime Agency has said the exact figure is not yet known.
According to her, the migrants went from Albania to Spain, but some were also recruited in the camps near the Spanish ports. The smugglers have provided them with accommodation and food until they are on their way to the UK.
Most of the gang members are believed to have lived in Albania, but have been arrested in Spain and will be tried there according to Spanish laws.
During the raids, the investigators confiscated phones, computers, bank cards, cash, identification documents and passports of different nationalities.
According to the British authorities, this year a record number of people have crossed the English Channel in small boats to enter the United Kingdom - more than 33,500./ REL