Border security officers sent to Balkans to disrupt people-smuggling networks

"British border security officers have been deployed to the Balkans for the first time in an effort to disrupt the networks smuggling migrants into the UK. Officers have been sent to develop new ways of working with Frontex, the EU's border agency, to track down and arrest people-smugglers operating along key routes into western Europe. As part of the initiative, UK officers are training border guards across the western Balkans to use British-made drones and biometric tracking systems to track migrants."

"Shabana Mahmood this week hosted her counterparts from the western Balkans and other European countries at a London summit aimed at bolstering cooperation on tackling illegal migration. The home secretary said: I have instructed UK law enforcement to explore all options including deploying operations in the west Balkans to tackle illegal migration routes. I have pledged to do whatever it takes to secure our borders."

UK border security officers have been deployed to the western Balkans to disrupt migrant-smuggling networks and strengthen cooperation with Frontex. Officers are training border guards to use drones and biometric tracking systems. Officials are sharing techniques to detect visa and passport fraud to block migrants before Channel crossings. The home secretary instructed UK law enforcement to explore operations in the west Balkans and pledged to secure borders. About 22,000 people were smuggled through the western Balkans last year. Frontex data shows irregular crossings on the route fell by 78% in 2024. The UK and Frontex signed a formal working arrangement in February 2024 and the UK is supplying drones and night-vision goggles while entering joint agreements with Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.

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