Govind Tekale
UK immigration authorities arrested 49 people in a three-day operation from 22 to 24 September 2026 targeting organised people-smuggling activity at airports, ports, roads, and rail networks across the country. Part of the same operation at Belfast International Airport resulted in arrests linked to suspected abuse of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK.
What the operation targeted
The Home Office confirmed that Operation Comby ran from 22 to 24 September 2026, covering ports, airports, roads and rail networks across Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. Officers from Immigration Enforcement and the National Crime Agency focused on organised criminal networks and individuals suspected of abusing the Common Travel Area.
At Belfast International Airport, two Romanian women were arrested and were subsequently identified as possible victims of trafficking. At Belfast Port, four Romanian nationals were arrested in connection with counterfeit goods. The Common Travel Area gives British and Irish citizens specific rights to travel and reside in each other’s countries, and Operation Comby targeted those suspected of abusing it.
All arrests at this stage are allegations. No convictions have been confirmed from either operation.
What comes next
The Home Office is due to publish quarterly enforcement statistics later this year. Since the election, Operation Comby has made more than 250 arrests overall. UK border security changes 2026
All 49 individuals arrested in the three-day operation remain under investigation. No convictions have been confirmed.
