UK and Belgium forge intelligence pact to dismantle small-boat smuggling gangs
The United Kingdom and Belgium have signed a new agreement to share intelligence and jointly target criminal networks behind migrant small-boat crossings.
British and Belgian ministers announced a bilateral accord aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling the gangs that organise migrant small-boat journeys. By eliminating the need for prior judicial approval, the pact speeds up intelligence sharing and strengthens joint training on organised crime, including drug and gun smuggling. Belgian law-enforcement personnel will be embedded in the UK-France Intelligence Cell that operates along the French coast.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the agreement will tighten the net around the "vile criminals" behind the crossings, while Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin highlighted the concrete results already achieved. To date, joint operations have led to 50 arrests and more than 40 vehicle seizures linked to migrant smuggling, with investigations ongoing.
