UK Imposes Sanctions on Balkan Gangs Accused of Aiding Illegal Channel Crossings

The United Kingdom has announced sanctions against criminal networks and financiers based in the Balkans accused of facilitating illegal small boat crossings into Britain, amid a sharp rise in migrant arrivals this year.

The sanctions, unveiled on Wednesday, October 22, coincided with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s hosting of the Western Balkans Summit in London, where European leaders met to discuss migration, security, and regional cooperation.

According to the UK Foreign Office, the measures include asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and groups allegedly involved in human smuggling and illegal migration operations targeting the UK.

“There is a criminal route through the Western Balkans bringing illegal migrants to the UK, and we’re determined to shut it down by working with European partners,” Prime Minister Starmer said in a statement. He added that through a Joint Migration Taskforce, the use of drones, and stricter sanctions, the government aims to dismantle smuggling networks “at every stage” to “deliver security for working people.”

Starmer, who came to power in July 2024 pledging to “smash the gangs” behind Channel crossings, faces growing pressure as migration numbers continue to rise. Over 36,800 migrants arrived in the UK via small boats in 2024, and officials expect that figure to be surpassed in 2025.

The London summit was attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Discussions centered on joint efforts to combat organized crime, people smuggling, corruption, and Russian influence in the Balkans. Starmer described the region as “Europe’s crucible — the place where the security of our continent is put to the test.”

Those targeted by the new sanctions include:

• The Krasniqi Network – a Kosovo-based criminal group accused of producing and distributing fake documents for smuggling operations.
• Nusret Seferovic – alleged leader of a Croatian gang that provided counterfeit passports to facilitate illegal entry into Europe.
• The ALPA Network – accused of sourcing small boat components for smuggling rings operating across the continent.

The UK government said the move underscores its “renewed commitment to cutting off every route and resource available to human traffickers and smuggling gangs.”