Small boats gang suspect arrested after fleeing Britain for 20-months
A man suspected of people smuggling has been brought back to the UK after fleeing Britain while on bail.
Arsen Feci, 46, from Nottingham, was apprehended at Heathrow Airport on Monday after being detained by Spanish authorities.
The alleged member of an organised crime group had absconded in March 2023 whilst awaiting trial for charges related to facilitating illegal immigration across the Channel.
Feci is accused of involvement in orchestrating small boat crossings from France and Belgium to British shores.
Following his arrest in Spain in August 2024, Feci was escorted back to British soil and taken into custody at Heathrow Airport on 20 November.
The following morning, he appeared before Nottingham Crown Court charged with assisting unlawful immigration to the UK.
The court remanded Feci into custody during the hearing.
Feci’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 16, 2025, at the same court.
The arrest marks the end of more than a year on the run for the Nottingham resident.
National Crime Agency investigators believe Feci played a crucial role in facilitating illegal Channel crossings.
The 46-year-old’s alleged activities included procuring equipment necessary for the dangerous sea journeys.
Feci is also suspected of recruiting individuals to staff the crossings from continental Europe.
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These operations allegedly involved coordinating departures from both French and Belgian coastlines.
The NCA’s investigation suggests Feci was a key figure in ensuring the successful execution of these illegal maritime ventures.
NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans emphasised the significance of Feci’s capture and return to British soil.
“Arsen Feci fled the UK after being charged for his alleged involvement in a people smuggling gang bringing people to the UK via small boats,” Evans said.
“We believe his role in the group was sourcing equipment and people to ensure crossings were a success,” he added.
The senior officer highlighted the successful international cooperation that led to Feci’s arrest.
“With thanks to Spanish police, Feci has now been arrested and returned to the UK,” Evans noted, adding that the NCA’s global reach enables them to “bring those who try to evade justice back to the UK to face the courts.”