Investigators quiz Rotherham man, 22, in people smuggling probe related to Vietnamese migrants brought to UK
A 22-year-old man is being quizzed by investigators as part of a probe into a people smuggling network, after being arrested in Rotherham.
The man is one of five people arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the investigation into a network suspected of transporting Vietnamese migrants to the UK in lorries and small boats.
He was arrested at a property in Rawmarsh early this morning (Tuesday, February 17, 2026), a spokesperson for the NCA said.
Officers also re-arrested four other men who are currently on remand in prison after being charged with money laundering and ID document offences in September and October last year.
They were three men aged 27, 31 and 33, who were produced from a prison in Liverpool, and a 31-year-old man produced from a prison in Birmingham.
The NCA spokesperson said all five men are currently being questioned by NCA investigators, and are alleged to be key figures in an organised crime group (OCG) said to be involved in smuggling people from France to the UK.
The agency alleges the OCG has been smuggling people since the summer of 2024, and has also been holding the genuine Vietnamese passports of those they transported to enforce debt bondage.
NCA branch commander Jon Hughes said: “Tackling people smuggling remains a top priority for the NCA, and this is one of approximately 100 ongoing investigations targeting groups or individuals both directly involved in organising journeys, or those who facilitate that criminality.
“People smugglers have no regard about the welfare of those they transport.
“They purely see human beings as commodities to make money from.
“Our investigation continues with the evidence we have gathered today.”