British border security officers have been deployed to the Balkans for the first time in an effort to disrupt the networks smuggling migrants into the UK.
Officers have been sent to develop new ways of working with Frontex, the EU’s border agency, to track down and arrest people-smugglers operating along key routes into western Europe.
As part of the initiative, UK officers are training border guards across the western Balkans to use British-made drones and biometric tracking systems to track migrants.
Officials are also sharing techniques for detecting visa and passport fraud to block migrants before they reach the Channel.
Shabana Mahmood this week hosted her counterparts from the western Balkans and other European countries at a London summit aimed at bolstering cooperation on tackling illegal migration.
The home secretary said: “I have instructed UK law enforcement to explore all options including deploying operations in the west Balkans to tackle illegal migration routes.
“I have pledged to do whatever it takes to secure our borders. That is exactly what I am doing.”
About 22,000 people were smuggled through the western Balkans by organised gangs last year, according to the Home Office.
Frontex data shows irregular crossings on the route fell by 78% in 2024, though UK officials say it continues to serve as a major transit route for both migrant smuggling and cross-border drug trafficking.
The UK and Frontex signed a formal working arrangement in February 2024 to strengthen cooperation on intelligence sharing, joint operations, training and technical support.
The UK border security commander, Martin Hewitt, said Britain would provide drones and night-vision goggles to support police forces in the region in dismantling smuggling operations.
He made the announcement after chairing the Balkans Border Police Chiefs’ Forum in Sarajevo last week.
Since July 2024, the UK government has entered into several joint operational agreements with Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia specifically aimed at disrupting organised crime groups operating across the western Balkans.
Next week, Keir Starmer is expected to host a leaders’ summit with western Balkan nations to agree further measures to reduce the number of people entering the UK illegally.
