Northern Ireland’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has charged a 25-year-old Afghan man, Abad Ulla Alimi, with assisting unlawful immigration after he arrived in Belfast by train from Dublin with four other Afghan nationals—two adults and two children—on 19 November. Investigators believe the group entered Ireland via France and were attempting to reach England through the Common Travel Area.
The arrest highlights growing use of the ‘land bridge’ between the Republic and Northern Ireland by facilitators seeking to bypass UK border controls at seaports and airports. NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said the agency has more than 100 live investigations into similar networks.
![Suspected People-Smuggler Charged After Afghan Family Travels Dublin-to-Belfast Train Route]()
For global-mobility managers, the case is a reminder that legitimate assignees travelling between Dublin and Belfast should carry identity documents even though routine CTA checks are not in place. UK authorities have stepped up spot inspections on cross-border rail and bus routes, leading to occasional delays. Employers are advised to brief employees on possible questioning and to keep evidence of right-to-work readily accessible.
The suspect has been remanded in custody until 19 December. If convicted, he faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment. The Afghan family has been handed to immigration officers for asylum screening, according to court documents.
The arrest highlights growing use of the ‘land bridge’ between the Republic and Northern Ireland by facilitators seeking to bypass UK border controls at seaports and airports. NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said the agency has more than 100 live investigations into similar networks.
For global-mobility managers, the case is a reminder that legitimate assignees travelling between Dublin and Belfast should carry identity documents even though routine CTA checks are not in place. UK authorities have stepped up spot inspections on cross-border rail and bus routes, leading to occasional delays. Employers are advised to brief employees on possible questioning and to keep evidence of right-to-work readily accessible.
The suspect has been remanded in custody until 19 December. If convicted, he faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment. The Afghan family has been handed to immigration officers for asylum screening, according to court documents.
