21/11/2025
Man Charged In NCA Probe Into Suspected Cross-Border People Smuggling
A man has been charged following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into suspected people smuggling from Ireland into the UK.
Abad Ulla Alimi, a 25-year-old Afghan national living in Dublin, was arrested at Belfast's Grand Central station on 19 November after travelling by train from Dublin with four other Afghan nationals. Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers identified him as a suspected facilitator, prompting an NCA investigation.
Alimi was travelling with a couple and their two young children, who are believed to have been attempting to enter the UK illegally via the Common Travel Area. The group had reportedly travelled from France to the Republic of Ireland before taking the train to Belfast, with the intention of continuing onwards to England.
He was taken into custody and interviewed by NCA officers. On 20 November he was charged with assisting unlawful immigration and is due to appear at Laganside Magistrates Court today (21 November). The family he was travelling with has been handed over to immigration authorities.
NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said: "Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the NCA and this investigation is one of around 100 ongoing investigations into networks or individuals in the top tier of this criminality.
"We are working closely with our partners to stop the Common Travel Area from being exploited by people who may believe this is an easier way to enter the UK and will take action wherever possible.
"Our investigation is ongoing."
Abad Ulla Alimi, a 25-year-old Afghan national living in Dublin, was arrested at Belfast's Grand Central station on 19 November after travelling by train from Dublin with four other Afghan nationals. Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers identified him as a suspected facilitator, prompting an NCA investigation.
He was taken into custody and interviewed by NCA officers. On 20 November he was charged with assisting unlawful immigration and is due to appear at Laganside Magistrates Court today (21 November). The family he was travelling with has been handed over to immigration authorities.
NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said: "Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the NCA and this investigation is one of around 100 ongoing investigations into networks or individuals in the top tier of this criminality.
"We are working closely with our partners to stop the Common Travel Area from being exploited by people who may believe this is an easier way to enter the UK and will take action wherever possible.
"Our investigation is ongoing."
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