It was about to leave the UK on a ferry to France
A suspected people smuggling boss has been arrested in Birmingham following a joint investigation by the National Crime Agency and West Midlands Police.
The probe centres on an alleged criminal network accused of transporting migrants into and out of the UK in the back of lorries.
Zahid Khan, aged 51, was detained by officers at an address in the Sheldon Heath Road area on February 10, 2026.
After being questioned by National Crime Agency investigators, he was charged with facilitating illegal immigration and money laundering offences.
Khan appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on February 12.
A second man, aged 44, was arrested at the same time and location on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
However, the man is to remain in custody as he is wanted for failing to appear at court over unconnected offences, the agency added.
The arrests follow the interception of a lorry carrying 33 migrants of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationality.
The vehicle was stopped by the National Crime Agency in Dover on February 4.
It was about to leave the UK on a ferry to France when officers intervened. The driver was arrested at the scene.
Investigators believe the suspected network used heavy goods vehicles to move migrants in both directions across the Channel.
The use of lorries in organised immigration crime has long raised concerns among law enforcement agencies.
Migrants transported in sealed trailers face significant risks, including suffocation, dehydration and injury.
NCA Branch Operations Manager Paul Jones said: “These arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation into a people smuggling network suspected of using HGVs to transport migrants in both directions across the Channel.
“This activity both risks the safety of those being transported, and presents a threat to our border security.
“Targeting, disrupting and dismantling gangs involved in organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA and our partners.”
The National Crime Agency has previously described organised immigration crime as a key threat to UK border security.
Operations often involve cooperation between national and regional police forces, as well as international partners.
The investigation into the lorry carrying 33 migrants remains ongoing.
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