People smuggler suspect wanted in Germany arrested
The suspect was found living in the Frog Island area of Leicester and arrested
- Published
A suspected people smuggler wanted by German police is facing extradition after he was arrested in Leicestershire.
Mohamad Alshater, 30, a Syrian national, was wanted for his alleged involvement in a network responsible for moving a large number of migrants into Germany from the Czech Republic in vehicles, said the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Following a joint UK and German investigation, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was found to be living in the Frog Island area of Leicester and detained on Monday, said the NCA.
Mr Alshater was remanded in custody and is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for an extradition hearing.
He was tracked down by officers from the National Extradition Unit, part of the NCA's Joint International Crime Centre, said the authority.
Tony Allen, from the crime centre, said: "People smuggling is an international crime and we are working closely with our counterparts in Germany and across Europe to target the individuals and networks involved.
"These crime groups treat people as a commodity and don't care about the risks, which is why tackling them is such a priority."
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