The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the Montenegrin “Skaljari” and “Kavac” criminal clans, along with 25 associated individuals and entities, as part of a new, world-first regime targeting irregular migration and organized immigration crime.
Targeting a Global Network
These sanctions, effective immediately, aim to disrupt human smuggling networks facilitating irregular migration to the UK. They target various actors, from the Kavac and Skaljari clans known for false passport operations between the Balkans and Turkey, to leaders of North African gangs, and individuals involved in truck and boat smuggling operations and hawala money transfers.
Among those sanctioned are Alen Basil, a former police translator who became a violent smuggling ring leader in Serbia, and Muhamed Tetvani, the self-proclaimed “King of Horgos,” known for brutal treatment of migrants. The UK also sanctioned a Chinese company for selling boats used for smuggling.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated this is a “historic moment” to combat organized immigration crime, warning, “We know who you are and we will work with our partners to stop you.” The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, aiming to cut off funding and mobility for these criminal groups.
