The National Crime Agency (NCA) has charged a crime group alleged to be involved in smuggling people to the UK using small boats.

The four men have all been charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

Artan Halilaj, aged 39 of Crosslands Avenue in Southall, was arrested in Hounslow on Monday (23 October).

Pistiwan Jameel, aged 53 of Old Oscott Lane in Birmingham, and Clare Meekings, aged 52 of the same address, were both arrested by NCA officers in Birmingham on Monday (23 October).

Fiorentino Halilaj, aged 25 of no address, was produced from an immigration detention centre near Heathrow on Tuesday (24 October) and interviewed by NCA officers. He has been charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

All four men appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on 25 October.

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