9 hours agoBritain sanctions dozens, including an Albanian
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on dozens of people, groups and suppliers from the Balkans, the Middle East and China, who are accused of helping migrants cross the English Channel. Among those sanctioned is an Albanian. The announcement of imposing sanctions comes at a time when the British government [...]
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on dozens of people, groups and suppliers from the Balkans, the Middle East and China, who are accused of helping migrants cross the English Channel. Among those sanctioned is an Albanian.
The announcement of imposing sanctions comes at a time when the British government is facing political pressure to stem the tide of arrivals in record numbers of migrants who are heading to the United Kingdom on small boats from northern France.
Who was sanctioned by the Balkans?
This is the first time the United Kingdom uses the new regime of sanctions for illegal global migration.
In total, 20 individuals and four gangs were sanctioned two groups from the Balkans and two originally from North Africa operating in the Balkans, as well as Chinese company Weihai Yamar Outor Product Co.
Among those sanctioned is Albanian Blidar Lala. According to the United Kingdom, he controls Belgian “operies” of an organised criminal group that is involved in illegal crossings.
The Kavac gang, a Balkan organised crime group known for using false passports to counter its Balkan members, has also been sanctioned.
Likewise, the Sholari gang, a group of organised crime in Montenegro that smuggling criminals between the Balkans and Turkey, is on the list of sanctions.
The United Kingdom has also targeted Allen Basil, former police translator, who is accused of currently running a large network of trafficking migrants in Serbia, with the help of corrupt police”.
Likewise, sanctions have been imposed against Mohammed Tetwan, which British authorities describe as Horgosti's <x0th king”, due to the brutal manner in which, according to London, manages a refugee camp in the Serbian town of Horgos.
The sanctioned persons and entities face asset freezes and travel stops, Britain's Office for Foreign Affairs said.
British Foreign Secretary David Lami called this “a historic moment of government work to fight organised crime in terms of migration”, which he said is affecting the United Kingdom.
Almost 24,000 migrants have passed the English Channel so far in 2025 which is the highest figure ever recorded for this period of the year. / REL/
