An Irish man has been charged with attempting to smuggle 14 Albanian nationals through a Scottish ferry terminal.
Patrick McKinney, 23, was arrested at Loch Ryan Terminal following a Home Office operation.
The migrants were discovered concealed in a livestock wagon in unsafe conditions.
McKinney, an Irish national, faces 14 counts under section 25 of the Immigration Act and one count of culpable and reckless conduct.
Patrick McKinney has been charged (file pic)
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He remains in custody while Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigations officers continue their enquiries.
The operation was carried out after authorities received reports of suspected people smuggling at the terminal.
Home Office officials said McKinney has been charged with 14 separate counts related to facilitating illegal entry into the UK.
The Albanian nationals were found in dangerous conditions inside a livestock wagon during the operation.
McKinney faces an additional charge of culpable and reckless conduct in connection with the incident.
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Lorries wait at Loch Ryan Port (file pic)
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Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigations lead Anthony Hilton said: “Our investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to carry out enquiries at pace.
“We’re doing everything we can to stay ahead of the people smugglers who exploit our borders and put the lives of desperate people on the line for financial gain.”
It comes as net migration hit a record 906,000 in the 12 months to June 2023, according to official data. More recent figures show a 20 per cent drop to 728,000 in the following year.
The Labour party had pledged to reform the points-based immigration system if elected, requiring companies employing foreign workers to also train British people.
However, the Migration Advisory Committee has cautioned that increasing domestic skills does not guarantee reduced reliance on immigration.
The committee warned that migrant and domestic workers “are not perfect substitutes” and employers will continue to seek the best candidates regardless of origin.
