Seven people in Manchester have been arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected people-smuggling ring.
The arrests were made as part of Operation Cosy, an investigation into a suspected organised crime group believed to be involved in the trafficking of predominantly Iranian nationals into the UK.
Immigration Enforcement officers arrested four Iranian men, aged 33, 34, 35 and 36, and a 39-year-old Polish woman at addresses in Whalley Range and Salford, Greater Manchester.
Two more arrests, of a 33-year-old Iranian man and a 46-year-old British woman, were made at Manchester Airport on Tuesday.
All those arrested have been bailed until a later date pending further inquiries.
Assistant director Dave Magrath, from the Immigration Enforcement Criminal Investigations Team, said: “Our investigation is targeting an organised network suspected of being involved in a complex and systematic attempt to evade the UK’s immigration controls.
“That investigation will continue with the evidence that was seized on Monday and Tuesday.”
Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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