Maritime industry being targeted, says National Crime Agency

The National Crime Agency has issued an alert to the UK maritime industry, warning owners and businesses that organised crime groups may target them to obtain small boats for people smugglers.

The alert warns that since global Covid-19 lockdown measures were imposed in March 2020, the number of migrants attempting to enter the UK using small boats has increased significantly. UK law enforcement detected in excess of 8,000 migrant arrivals throughout 2020.

This has led to a rise in demand for vessels to aid migrant channel crossings, with demand likely to continue as weather conditions improve through spring and summer.

Organised crime groups are known to target legitimate sellers of vessels and equipment such as outboard motors and life jackets, both in person and online. There are also incidents recorded of boats and equipment being stolen.

The NCA has conducted a number of operations targeting those who supply boats to people smugglers, but the agency is asking those in the industry to report concerns or suspicious activity relating to the purchase of boat equipment.

“Today we are directly appealing to those within the marine and maritime industries to help us stop those involved in organised people smuggling,” says the NCA’s Miles Bonfield.

“Crossing the channel in vessels like these is extremely dangerous and life threatening – but the organised crime groups involved don’t care about safety or welfare, they just see migrants as a commodity to be exploited.

“We’re already working closely with a range of partners in the UK and on the continent to target the supply of these vessels, but we are now asking that the UK industry helps us and report any suspicions they may have.”

The NCA alert outlines a number of examples of potentially suspicious activity, including:

• cash being used in large sums to make payment
• unusual combination of boats and equipment in one transaction
• enquiries about bulk purchase of equipment (for example life jackets)
• repeat purchasing of boats and/or equipment from the same retailer
• lack of concern about the condition of the boat or equipment being purchased, or an indication that it may not be for the buyers’ use
• customers wanting to complete their transaction and collection as quickly as possible
• online buyers travelling to collect the boat and/or avoiding providing a fixed delivery address.

“Essentially we want people to follow their gut feeling,” says Bonfield. “They know their industry and their customers well. If they sense something isn’t quite right or seems unusual, then please report it to the charity Crimestoppers, either by phone on 0800 555 111 or online. You will remain anonymous.”

Following a number of attempted thefts, boat and marine equipment owners are also being asked to pay particular attention to security guidelines, ensuring vessels and equipment are secured accordingly.

Those contacting Crimestoppers with information should quote the alert reference ‘0647-OIC’.

Anyone who lives or works around our coastline, marinas, ports or waterways and witnesses something they believe to be suspicious can always call the police on 101, quoting Project KRAKEN, or make a report online, says NCA.