Man arrested in Brent over illegal immigration advertising
National Crime Agency investigation targets online services promoting illicit travel to Europe.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA 29-year-old Afghan national was arrested in Brent on Tuesday 3 November as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into the online advertisement of illegal immigration services. Officers apprehended the man at an address in the North West London borough and seized a mobile phone.
The NCA's inquiry followed the discovery of a TikTok account that was advertising illegal journeys from the United Kingdom to various European destinations including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany. This activity is reported to be contrary to Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, legislation that came into force in February 2026.
Investigation into Online Advertising
Martin Matthews, Senior Investigating Officer for the NCA, stated that tackling organised immigration crime is a primary focus for the agency. He added that efforts are underway to disrupt and dismantle networks involved in such activities, specifically targeting the use of online platforms to promote suspected illegal crossings. The arrested individual has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Questions this report answers
01Why was a man arrested in Brent?
A 29-year-old Afghan national was arrested in Brent as part of a National Crime Agency investigation. The arrest is connected to a TikTok account that was advertising illegal crossings from the UK to Europe, which is alleged to be in breach of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025.
02What is the National Crime Agency investigating?
The National Crime Agency is investigating the online advertisement of illegal immigration services. Specifically, they are looking into a TikTok account that promoted illicit journeys from the UK to several European countries, contrary to Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025.
03What happens next in the investigation?
The 29-year-old man arrested in Brent has been bailed pending further enquiries. The National Crime Agency continues its investigation into the online advertising of illegal immigration services and the disruption of networks involved in organised immigration crime.
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