Suspected people smuggler arrested in city

The 25-year-old Eritrean national was arrested in Coventry on Thursday

A man, who is wanted in Belgium, has been arrested in connection with people smuggling.

The 25-year-old Eritrean national was detained by specialist officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Coventry on Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Belgian prosecutors accuse him of helping to smuggle migrants to the UK, charging about €2,500 (£2,157) per person by sea and €1,500 (£1,295) by car.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, where extradition proceedings will begin.

The NCA said the allegations are also linked to five occasions, which occurred between October 2021 and May 2024, of Eritrean and Ethiopian migrants being intercepted at the port of Zeebrugge as they travelled to the UK.

Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the 25-year-old was suspected of "trading cash for lives by facilitating dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK".

Jacque Beer, the NCA's regional head of investigations, added: "The threat posed by organised immigration crime is chronic and enduring."

She said tackling the gangs organising Channel crossings and dismantling their operations was a "top priority" for the NCA.

If convicted in Belgium, the 25-year-old could face up to 20 years in prison.