A man arrested during an operation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Portsmouth yesterday has been charged with people smuggling and money laundering offences.

45-year-old Ali Omar Karim was last night remanded in custody to appear before Portsmouth Magistrates later today (Thursday March 14).

He was arrested as part of an NCA investigation into a Kurdish organised crime group involved in smuggling people to the UK in boats and HGVs.

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A second man arrested as part of the same investigation in Italy last month remains in custody as extradition proceedings continue.

NCA officers, supported by colleagues from Hampshire police, moved in to detain the man at an address in the Kingston area of Portsmouth early yesterday morning. 

NCA senior investigating officer Rachel Bramley told the Daily Echo that a two-year investigation had reached a significant stage. 

She added: “Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA, and our investigation continues.”