Two Men Charged in Southwold Small Boat People Smuggling Probe
Two men have been charged following a Border Force crackdown on suspected people smuggling off the Suffolk coast.
Border Force Intercepts Yacht Near Southwold
Denys Khvatkov, 19, and Bohdan Lutskyi, 29, appeared at 1 Magistrates Court on Monday (3 August) charged with facilitating illegal entry into the UK. Both were remanded in custody and will face Ipswich Crown Court on 1 September.
The two were arrested on Friday (31 July) after a Border Force cutter intercepted their yacht en route from the Netherlands to the UK east coast. The vessel docked at Southwold Harbour just after 9pm, where officers found Khvatkov, Lutskyi, and two Albanian nationals attempting to enter the UK without proper leave.
Immigration Enforcement Cracks Down on People Smuggling
The case has been handed over to Immigration Enforcement’s Criminal and Financial Investigation team for further action.
“We will not tolerate ruthless criminals looking to break the law by smuggling people into the UK illegally,” said Chris Philp, Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts.
“Working together with partners at home and abroad, Border Force and Immigration Enforcement are determined to disrupt and dismantle organised immigration crime networks. Those who profit from the misery of others will be brought to justice.”
Albanian Nationals Face Immigration Action
The two Albanian nationals found on board are being processed according to UK immigration rules.
