People smuggling networks have suffered a major blow after Britain’s National Crime Agency orchestrated the seizure of 25 inflatable boats destined for criminal gangs operating deadly Channel crossings.
The operation, conducted in partnership with Bulgarian law enforcement at the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint, intercepted a lorry carrying the consignment that would have transported up to 1,500 migrants across treacherous waters. The seizure comes as Channel crossings reached a grim milestone, with over 25,000 migrants arriving in UK waters this year – the earliest this figure has ever been reached.
Bulgarian customs officers, acting on intelligence from the NCA and Home Office International Operations unit, stopped the truck as it crossed from Turkey into Bulgaria. A search of the trailer uncovered the eight-metre inflatable boats, each capable of carrying 50 to 60 people in dangerously overcrowded conditions.
The NCA’s Regional Head of Investigation, Jacque Beer said: “This was a significant seizure, with these vessels destined for use by the organised crime groups running small boat crossings from France to the UK.”
The timing of the operation is particularly significant as Border Force reported finding two vessels carrying more than 90 migrants each just yesterday, highlighting the increasingly reckless tactics employed by smuggling gangs.
Record-Breaking Crossing Numbers
The seizure comes amid unprecedented levels of Channel crossings, with Home Office figures revealing that 898 people made the journey in 13 boats on Wednesday alone. This brought the total for 2025 to 25,436 – up 51% compared to the same point last year (16,842) and 73% higher than 2023 (14,732).
The 25,000 milestone has been reached earlier than ever before in recorded history. Last year, this figure wasn’t passed until 22 September, whilst in 2023 it occurred on 2 October. The record year of 2022 saw the milestone reached on 27 August, with the total eventually hitting 45,774 by December.
“They are of the type typically used in highly dangerous and frequently deadly journeys across the English Channel, and are completely ill-suited for use at sea,” Beer emphasised about the seized vessels.
Major Impact on Smuggling Operations
The NCA revealed that since early 2023, international cooperation has resulted in the interception of 650 boats and engines, significantly disrupting criminal supply chains. The agency estimates these seizures have denied organised crime groups approximately £16.6 million in profits.
The boats seized in Bulgaria are typically manufactured in backstreet workshops in China before being transported across Europe. Once inflated, they measure around eight metres in length and are dangerously overloaded by smugglers seeking to maximise profits.
“Taking them out before they could reach the shores of northern France means we have not only prevented crossings from happening and lives being put at risk, but also put a dent in the profits of the people smugglers,”Beer added.
Strategic Border Location
The Kapitan Andreevo crossing point holds particular significance as one of Europe’s busiest land borders. Located on Bulgaria’s frontier with Turkey and close to Greece, it serves as a crucial gateway for trafficking operations moving equipment and people into Europe.
The checkpoint has become a focal point for law enforcement efforts, with the NCA working alongside Bulgarian National Customs Agency and Bulgarian Border Police to disrupt smuggling networks. Earlier this month, a joint taskforce including officers from Border Force, HMRC and Home Office International Operations conducted training exercises at the location.
Bulgarian authorities have demonstrated their commitment to tackling organised crime at the border. Just days after the boat seizure, cocaine worth €20 million (£17.6 million) was discovered hidden in a van at the same crossing point, underscoring the checkpoint’s importance to various criminal enterprises.
Long-Term Partnership Success
The seizure represents the culmination of sustained cooperation between UK and Bulgarian authorities. Over the past 12 months, this partnership has yielded impressive results:
- 125 inflatable boats intercepted
- 128 outboard engines seized
- More than 700 pumps confiscated
- 300 rubber rings prevented from reaching smugglers
- 33 separate interceptions completed
These operations have specifically targeted the criminal supply chain, with intelligence-led operations identifying vehicles attempting to transport maritime equipment destined for Channel crossings.
Government Response
The UK’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, praised the international collaboration, stating: “International collaboration is a key part of our work to break down the business model of criminal gangs operating across borders, putting lives at risk.”
“This seizure marks a significant step forward in our joint work alongside the NCA to disrupt the supply chain fuelling these dangerous small boat crossings,” Hewitt added.
The operation comes as the Labour government pushes forward with its Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which promises counter-terror style powers for police and new criminal offences targeting people-smuggling gangs. The government abandoned the previous administration’s Rwanda scheme, instead focusing on “smashing the gangs” through enhanced international cooperation.
Deteriorating Safety Standards
Recent crossings have shown increasingly dangerous overcrowding, with smugglers cramming more migrants onto already unsafe vessels. The boats seized in Bulgaria represent the typical craft used in these journeys – completely unsuitable for sea crossings and manufactured without safety considerations.
Weather conditions have contributed to the surge in crossings, with the Met Office recording 190 “red days” – when conditions are favourable for small boat activity – in the 12 months to April 2025. This represents an 80% increase compared to previous years.
The human cost continues to mount, with 73 people dying attempting the crossing in 2024 alone – more than all previous years combined. Despite these tragic losses, desperate migrants continue to risk their lives on the 21-mile journey across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite law enforcement successes, the challenge remains immense. The NCA assessment suggests their activities are “having an impact on boat and engine supply, making it more difficult and costlier for OCGs (Organised Crime Groups) to source equipment.”
However, criminal networks continue to adapt, with prices for Channel crossings reportedly ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 per person. With boats carrying 50-90 people, a single successful crossing can generate hundreds of thousands in profit for smuggling gangs.
The seizure in Bulgaria demonstrates the international nature of the crisis, with equipment manufactured in Asia, transported through Eastern Europe, and ultimately deployed from French beaches. This complex supply chain requires continued international cooperation to disrupt effectively.
Looking Ahead
As summer conditions create more favourable crossing opportunities, authorities brace for continued pressure on Channel defences. The record-breaking figures for 2025 suggest the crisis shows no signs of abating despite enhanced enforcement efforts.
The Bulgarian operation represents a tactical victory in the ongoing battle against people smuggling networks. However, with demand remaining high and criminal gangs continuing to adapt their methods, the challenge of securing Britain’s maritime borders remains as pressing as ever.
The coming months will test whether enhanced international cooperation and new legislative powers can stem the tide of dangerous crossings that continue to claim lives whilst enriching criminal networks operating across continents.
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