Man arrested in National Crime Agency human trafficking probe

A man has been arrested in Glasgow in connection with alleged people smuggling from Ireland into the UK.

The 30-year-old Afghan national was detained on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration at a property in Balornock, in the city's east end, on 22 January.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the suspect was released on bail after questioning.

Specialist officers also searched two properties, one in Glasgow and one in Birmingham, and seized electronic devices and documents.

The NCA said the arrest, on 22 January, was part of a wider investigation which resulted in another Afghan national being arrested and charged in December.

The Glasgow raid followed the alleged smuggling of five Afghan nationals who were stopped at Belfast's Grand Central Station on 19 November having arrived from Dublin.

They had previously travelled from France to the Republic of Ireland.

Abad Ulla Alimi, a 26-year-old Afghan male living in Dublin, was arrested at the station and charged with people smuggling offences.

He is due to appear before Belfast Crown Court next month.

David Cunningham, NCA Belfast branch commander, said: "Our investigation into the facilitation of a number of individuals through the common travel area continues following this arrest, and with the evidence we have recovered from these searches.

"Targeting, disrupting and dismantling the people smuggling networks who are targeting the UK remains a top priority for the NCA."