Afghan suspect arrested after kidnapping and assaulting 14-year-old migrant across the Channel
A man believed to be Afghan was detained in West London for abducting a 14-year-old girl in Belgium, sexually assaulting her and smuggling her into the UK via a Channel boat.
Investigators allege an Afghan man kidnapped a 14-year-old girl from a Belgian asylum reception camp in June 2025, sexually assaulted her and facilitated her illegal entry into Britain using a small boat that crossed the English Channel. Belgian police reported seeing the suspect leave the camp with the child, after which an appeal was issued when she was reported missing. The National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit arrested the man in Feltham, West London, on August 19 and arranged his extradition to Belgium for prosecution later this year.
Politicians, including Chris Philp, condemned the case as a failure of immigration controls. The Home Office said it could not comment on individual cases, while the National Crime Agency confirmed the arrest.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns over migrant smuggling networks and the safety of vulnerable asylum seekers in Europe.
How this story developed
- Sep 24 Minister acknowledges limits after two unmonitored Channel migrant arrivals
- Sep 25 The government announced it is assessing sites in Hampshire for a new reception centre to handle intercepted migrants.
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