UK sends crime-fighters to Iraq: New plan targets Channel crossing networks
British officers heading to Iraq under fresh security deal to fight people-smuggling groups. Agreement includes joint operations deportation plans and tech-support for border control systems
British law-enforcement teams are moving to Iraq as part of a ground-breaking security agreement that targets smuggling networks operating across Europe
In a high-stakes operation Yvette Cooper made a secret three-day trip to Baghdad and Erbil where she signed deals with Iraqi officials to tackle cross-border crime The agreement puts British officers right where smuggling groups (who control most French beach operations) have their home base
The deal includes several key parts:
* Fast returns of illegal migrants from Iraq
* £300000 for Iraqi border-security training
* £200000 for better ID systems
* Social-media warnings about crossing dangers
The smuggling route starts in Iraqi-Kurdistan goes through Turkey with China-made boats then to Germany and finally reaches northern France. One notable gang leader known as Barzan Majeed (the Scorpion) was responsible for more than 10000 crossings
Evil though they may be many of our enemies run highly sophisticated international outfits
Dan Jarvis who served in Iraq about 21 years ago and now works as Security Minister sees this partnership as crucial. He points out that modern security threats dont stop at borders - so neither should law enforcement. The National Crime Agency is already working on 70 investigations of major smuggling networks
The new agreement builds on existing work between UK and Iraqi forces focusing on wider security issues including drug-smuggling and illegal money transfers. British teams are also stationed in Bulgaria Austria and Romania as part of a £150 million border security program
