LONDON: Chen Canjian, who lives in Kent but is originally from China, was arrested yesterday by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Metropolitan Police, who suspect that he has been smuggling migrants into counties including the UK and France.
The 43-year-old – who goes by the nickname “The Bald” – was on a wanted list as he is alleged to have ties to a criminal gang based in France, which he got involved in after spending time living in the Ile de France region.
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Chen, who also goes by the names Jian Chen, Jian Ding and Chen Can Jian, is suspected to have secured false documents for illegal immigrants coming into Britain from China.
His mobile number was also allegedly found on the mobile phones of several people believed to be illegal immigrants, currently living in France.
According to reports from French authorities, Chen has been receiving payments from China-based families who used his services.
Immediately after his arrest, Chen appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court, and was remanded in custody until his next hearing on September 2.
NCA regional Operations Manager Graham Roberts said: “Chen is suspected of making substantial amounts of money from smuggling people across borders, and was therefore a target for the UK’s Organised Immigration Crime Taskforce.”
“Working with partners around the world and in the UK, we are continuing to identify and pursue the criminals facilitating illegal immigration, and take action to disrupt their networks.”
