A man has been arrested in North West London as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the advertising of illegal immigration services online.
Officers apprehended the 29-year-old Afghan national at an address in Brent on Tuesday 3 November, also seizing a mobile phone.
His arrest followed the discovery of a TikTok account advertising illegal crossings from the UK to Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany), which is contrary to Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. These measures came into force in February 2026.
He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Martin Matthews said:
“Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the National Crime Agency, and we are doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle those networks involved.
“This includes targeting the use of online platforms to advertise suspected illegal crossings.”
4 November 2026
