A former senior official with the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a stark warning regarding the national security implications of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Roy McComb, who served as deputy director of the NCA from 2014 to 2019, described the crossings as a significant threat, asserting that the predominantly young, male demographic of those arriving increases the risk of criminals, foreign agents, or terrorists being among them.
McComb stated that the current approach to the issue is misguided, suggesting that treating it solely as a humanitarian crisis hinders effective government action. "These people are being smuggled in and then they are effectively being facilitated by the very liberal attitudes we have to wander around the countryside," he told the Daily Mail. "Even if they're stopped they can say 'I'm an asylum seeker' and be entitled to protection."
His comments come amid reports that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recently proscribed in Britain, may be using the small boat route to move covert operatives into the UK. Sources suggest that people smugglers are facilitating passage for migrants in exchange for future favors once they reach the UK. An Iranian official was reportedly quoted as claiming that "revolutionary" operatives have been stationed in London, connected to the IRGC's Unit 700, the logistics branch of its Quds Force responsible for covert foreign operations.
McComb, who previously headed organized crime for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, indicated that it is logical for Iran to seek infiltration routes. "The NCA and security services have been very clear that we have threat convergence, with organised crime groups delivering young, military age personnel from countries that are routinely hostile to the UK," he said. "The IRGC Unit 700 linkage shows that these people aren't just posing as a casual threat."
This concern echoes a previous incident where three Iranian men, who arrived in the UK illegally, were charged with spying for Iran. They are alleged to have targeted journalists working for the London-based broadcaster Iran International. Two of the men are accused of spying with the intention that serious violence would be committed by others in the UK, while the third is accused of planning serious violence himself. All deny the charges and are awaiting trial.
George Simm, a former Regimental Sergeant Major of 22 SAS, also voiced concerns about Tehran-backed violence in the UK, suggesting that IRGC-linked individuals are in the early stages of preparations for attacks that could pose a significant threat to life. He theorized a scenario involving multiple coordinated attacks in major cities, similar to the 7/7 bombings but with firearms and supported by larger groups.
An anonymous analyst specializing in Iranian external operations noted that it is "highly likely" that Iranian intelligence services view small boat crossings as a "vulnerability worth exploiting." However, the analyst added that there is no evidence to suggest that any potential infiltrations have been effective or have demonstrated long-term potential based on the known operational methods of Iranian intelligence.
Official figures indicate a significant decrease in small boat crossings this year compared to previous periods. The Home Office reported that 13,007 arrivals have been recorded so far this year, a 45% reduction compared to the same period last year and down 18% from 2024. The government attributes this to its plan to tackle migrant crossings, including a new deal with France to enhance enforcement. Removals of small boat migrants are reported to be at record levels.
Despite these figures, Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged that "more to do" remains, while asserting that the government's plan is working. He emphasized the need for rigorous checks to ensure that individuals entering the country are properly safeguarded. The Ministry of Defence stated that stringent security checks are in place for all small boat arrivals, and any identified threats will be detained and removed.
