Two men suspected of being part of a people smuggling network have been arrested in immigration raids.

The Home Office says the two suspects, both Albanian nationals, were suspected of using fake travel documents and airline tickets to book people onto UK-bound flights.

This network was alleged to have booked 27 Albanian migrants onto 11 flights, instructing them to claim asylum using their passports when they arrived in the UK.

The duo were arrested after a series of raids in Finsbury Park yesterday morning (February 27).

Investigating officers connected booking details with migrants arriving on flights illegally between July 2022 and January 2023.

Officers allegedly found evidence of fake UK biometric residence permit documents and airline tickets issued to migrants attempting to reach the UK.

The arrests also led to the discovery of Class A drugs and one of the men was later arrested on suspicion of drugs supply.

Seven suspected members of a criminal network were arrested last month after raids at three addresses in Finsbury Park.

Michael Tomlinson, the minister for countering illegal migration, said: “People smuggling networks will stop at nothing in their efforts to abuse our borders and our laws. They are putting lives at risk.

“It is vital we stay ahead of the criminal gangs behind these crimes, and I thank our officers whose hard work led to the success of this operation.”

Home Office criminal and financial investigator Richard Darwesh said: “Today’s arrests are an important step towards bringing down this people smuggling network and ensuring its members are detained, brought to justice and swiftly removed from the UK.

“Our message is clear - if you put lives at risk, we will ensure you face the full weight of the law.”

All of the arrested suspects have been bailed pending further investigation.