‘Significant arrest’ in connection with deaths of at least 27 people crossing Channel

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A man has been arrested in the UK in connection with the deaths of at least 27 people who drowned while trying to cross the Channel in a dinghy last year.

Harem Ahmed Abwbaker, 32, was detained at an address in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, at about 6.45am on Tuesday, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

He is accused of being a member of an organised crime gang behind the crossing in November 2021. All but two of the people on board died after the boat sank. Four people are still missing.

He is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday for extradition proceedings.

Craig Turner, the NCA deputy director, said: “This is a significant arrest, and comes as part of extensive inquiries into the events leading to these tragic deaths in the Channel.

“The individual detained today is suspected of having played a key role in the manslaughter of those who died.”