The UK and Turkey have signed a new deal to disrupt people-smuggling gangs and tackle illegal migration across Europe, the Home Office announced on Wednesday. The deal includes a “center of excellence” in Turkey to strengthen collaboration and increase intelligence-sharing between enforcement agencies.
The partnership aims to disrupt the supply chain of small boats and boat parts that are used by smugglers to facilitate illegal crossings of the English Channel. According to the Home Office, hundreds of small boats and parts are transported through Europe each year for this purpose.
The deal also involves deploying more officers in Turkey to work on joint operations with the Turkish National Police and the National Crime Agency. A memorandum of understanding will also facilitate the quicker exchange of customs data and intelligence.