Immigration · 16 October 2025
UK Deploys Border Security Officers to Balkans in Crackdown on Smuggling Networks
The UK has for the first time deployed border security officers to Western Balkan countries in a bid to disrupt migrant-smuggling operations. Working with Frontex, they will train local forces in drone use, biometric tracking, and fraud detection. The move follows London-hosted summit talks led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on tightening cooperation across Europe. While Balkan routes saw a 78% drop in irregular crossings in 2024, officials still see risk of revived trafficking networks.
Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs