The UK government has expanded the powers of border enforcement officers, enabling them to confiscate mobile phones from people who enter the country illegally, as part of efforts to gather intelligence on organised smuggling networks operating across the Channel.
Under the counter-terror legislation now in force, officers are authorised to seize mobile devices without making an arrest. The Home Office said the measure is intended to help identify and disrupt gangs responsible for arranging small boat crossings to the UK.
The policy allows officers to require individuals to remove outer clothing in order to search for phones and to check mouths for concealed SIM cards. According to the National Crime Agency, information obtained from seized devices could accelerate investigations into smuggling operations and assist in building cases against those involved.
Border security minister Alex Norris said the new powers were aimed at tackling the networks behind illegal crossings. He said the government was implementing additional offences and enforcement tools to interrupt smuggling activity and dismantle supply chains linked to the trade.
Minister for migration and citizenship Mike Tapp said confiscated phones may be returned, depending on the circumstances of each case and the material found on the device. He said operational decisions would be taken by officers on the ground, adding that the measure was not intended to remove compassion from border enforcement.
The legislation also creates new criminal offences, including penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for storing or supplying boat engines used to transport migrants to the UK. Martin Hewitt, who leads efforts to curb Channel crossings, said his unit has carried out more than 4,000 disruptions against smuggling gangs since its establishment, including the seizure of cash and the conviction of key figures. He said the new measures provide additional tools to intensify action against organised smugglers.
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