The leader of a notorious Channel smuggling gang was among 19 arrested in a landmark European probe.
Europol said the Iraqi-Kurdish and Syrian group was “one of the most active” organised crime gangs in northern France, charging migrants between £850 and £2,500 to cross.
They were so sophisticated they could launch eight boats a night from different beaches, investigators said.
Police arrested five “high value” targets and raided 19 houses and nine storage units.
Detectives have linked the gang to at least 55 separate launchings from northern France.
They used boats made in China which were then flown to Turkey and driven to Germany.
Europol revealed: “The legal purpose of these boats may include fishing or sailing on rivers and city canals. When used legally, such boats would not be suitable nor safe for the transportation of more than 10 individuals. However, on average, smugglers put around 50 migrants in one of these boats.”
The smuggling gang was described as “highly professional” and had “branches” in “charge of organising the delivery of large amounts of nautical equipment to the EU”.
During raids police found 24 inflatable boats, 175 life vests, 81 flotation devices for children, 60 air pumps, 13 outboard mounts, 14 engines, almost 60 electronic devices, arms and several thousand euros in cash.
Europol added: “Drivers, who were typically active members of the criminal network, transported up to 8 boats at a time.
“During the transportation from Germany to France, a forerunner car secured the vehicle charged with boats, aiming to avoid police detection.
“The drivers were located in rest areas in Belgium before they drove the equipment to the spot at the time of departure.
“The investigative activities identified that the criminal network was able to facilitate up to 8 departures per night depending on the weather conditions.”
Europol added: “The criminal networks involved in the phenomenon remain extremely active, and are becoming increasingly violent while adapting their activities through the implementation of new crossing techniques.”
A total of 1,716 migrants have crossed the Channel in 38 dinghies so far this year – an average of 45 people crammed into each vessel.
Last year, 29,437 asylum seekers reached the UK by small boat – significantly less than 2022 when a record 45,755 people made the treacherous journey.
