Five UK immigration officers have been charged over allegations they robbed migrants who arrived in Britain by small boat across the English Channel.
The officers appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accused of conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office and money laundering, linked to incidents said to have occurred between August 2021 and November 2022.
Prosecutors told the court the officers were stationed on England’s south coast and were responsible for processing recent arrivals, many of whom were carrying significant amounts of cash.
It is alleged the officers acted together to take the money and share it among themselves. A sixth defendant faces a separate money laundering charge. All six were granted bail and are due to appear next month at Southwark Crown Court, where the case will continue.
The charges come at a time of heightened political tension over illegal migration, with Channel crossings a major public issue and growing concern over criminal exploitation within the system.
Recent reports of visa fraud and illegal labour schemes have further damaged public confidence, while the U.K government has promised ‘tougher enforcement’ and a broader overhaul of immigration policy to curb illegal arrivals.
